Learning Disabilities

I was invited by Azim Premji Foundation, to dscuss learning disabiliies in a Tecaher’s conference on 3rd November at Arakot (Tiuni), on the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. About 50 teachers were present. I discussed role of poor vision, poor hearing, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Tourrette syndrome, Stammering, other social issues (eg. single parent) leading to emotional issues, which affect class room intercations.

I discovered that the teachers (barring few) have very low awareness on these issues. Stereotypes abound. They have little access to good, balanced, objective and latest information on these “marginal” issues. Teacher should have been the first and most important pillar of our society- but realities of life. politics and governance have pushed her and him to the periphery!

I showed them the video clips dealing with Tourrette syndrome and stammering. I also showed them Golmaal 3 promo, followed by video clips of genuine appeal by two PWS. The vast difference in the two: the way mainstream media stereotypes a stammerer- contrasted by the reality out there, the way a genuine PWS talks on camera, was very obvious and the audience was stunned. TISA, besides advocacy (legal and online), should promote awareness and education, wherever it can. Unless people know that stammering is a disease, that genes responsible for it have been identified, they will go on believing that it is a “laughable habit”. And children who stammer, will continue to be teased and bullied.

PS: Soon after reaching there- unhon ne mujhe topi pehna di! (see the Himachali cap on my head!). I thank Azim Premji Foundation and all the teachers for their hospitality and interest.