Chümoukedima, May 20 (MExN): What are learning disabilities? How do disabilities like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD), non-verbal learning disabilities, dyslexia etc. affect a child’s learning?
These issues were addressed at the one-day workshop on Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) for teachers held at Charis High Academy, Chümoukedima on May 19. The workshop was organised in collaboration with ORKIDS, New Delhi. Teachers from Livingstone Higher Secondary School, Hope Academy, Maple Tree School, Mount Mary, St Joseph School, Agape School, Cherry Blossom School (Kohima), G. Rio School (Kohima) represented their respective institutions.
Administrator of Charis Academy, Chanmayo J. Aier in her welcome address emphasized on the need for awareness of SLD and said that the workshop has been organised to help teachers bring up a child in their own ability. Insisting that education has to be viewed with different lens now, she said, “If I cannot learn the way you teach me, teach me in a way I can learn.”
Resource person on the occasion, Dr Geet Oberio, Founder President, ORKIDS Multi-disciplinary Clinic, briefed on the importance of understanding SLD and pointed to the need for teachers to know about the need for special care with a clear understanding of the background.
The causes of students underperforming were discussed. It was noted that the lack of professionally trained teachers and disoriented learning styles for students having SLD were some of the primary reasons.
Teachers numbering about 50 received training on the way children should be taught. Early signs and symptoms, checklist for screening children, using the DALI screening tool for screening dyslexia and differentiating LD from other disabilities (differential diagnosis) were also covered during the one-day workshop.
