Image1Introduction to Learning Disabilities

I see, I hear, I do, and I learn – Learning Differently.

Here is a poem that depicts a child’s emotions with learning difficulties. The child’s sadness transforms into joy when an angel tenderly cares for them. The angel in this poem refers to inclusive education, whose goal is to assist every child in experiencing the happiness of learning.

A thought to ponder!!!!!!

Do you see children in your classrooms waiting for the angel?

Children who have learning disabilities encounter numerous difficulties in their lives. However, the most excruciating challenge is when they are labeled and treated differently by their teachers, classmates, family, and society.

Objectives:
A green circle with white crosshairsDescription automatically generated1. To create awareness among teachers about children’s learning issues and facilitate active learning
What is a Learning Disability?

Learning Disability is a term that describes specific kinds of learning problems in individuals.

Learning Disability affects the ability to learn and use specific skills, such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, directing attention, mathematical calculations, and coordinating movements. (Ref. Including Children With Special Needs; Primary Stage. pg. 11; NCERT publication, 2014)

The coordinated action of the sense organs, parts of the body, and the brain determines a child’s learning process, which encompasses information input through the senses with attention as an important aspect. Subsequently, the perceived information retained in working memory transforms into long-term memory through practice and maintenance activity, finally enabling effective retrieval.

A learning disability is most often manifested through the behaviour of a child.

In India, the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) defines learning disabilities as “a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in the understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, speak, read, spell or do mathematics.”

Children who face challenges with learning due to visual or hearing impairments, mental retardation, limited motor skills, emotional or behavioural issues, and environmental stressors or a combination of these and require special attention are not considered to have a learning disability.

The terms “difficulty” and “disability” are often used interchangeably, but this is incorrect. Difficulties may arise due to a poor learning environment, faulty teaching methods, or socio-emotional factors that affect a student’s learning. On the other hand, disabilities are present at birth and become apparent during the child’s formal learning period.

In this video, Dr Onita Nakra, a specialist in learning disabilities, will provide insights into Learning Disabilities and address the following aspects:

  • Characteristics of LD
  • Causes of LD
  • Kinds of LD
  • Accommodation and Modification

Video – Introduction to Learning Disability

Self-Reflection:
A green circle with white people in itDescription automatically generated1. Do you have a student in your class who struggles with reading and spelling? Do you suspect they may have a learning disability? If so, can you identify 2-3 strengths that they demonstrate that you can build on?

2. How will you explain what a learning disability is to a parent? Record your model conversation/dialogue.
Source and Attribution of images
All images used in the above Assets and Aids are originally created.
This digital material has been developed by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project, a unit of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, as a collaborative offering in the service of our nation.