ChangeInkk Foundation

Over the last few days, we’ve reflected on education policy, systems reform, and capacity building, seeing how States have started to #Act4Dyslexia. These are critical steps, but the message from #parents and #students is clear—it’s not enough. Real change must happen where it matters most—in schools. We need more than policies; we need action that creates tangible change in the daily experiences of these students. Bringing students with #learningdisabilities into classrooms isn’t enough if they’re not learning in ways that meet their needs. Too many children feel isolated, their struggles invisible—included physically, but sitting on the sidelines. Until there’s a shift in attitudes and behaviours of educators and administrators’ students with SLDs will continue to struggle, their potential wasted. 🚸 Mainstreaming inclusion is easier than we think. Let’s look at the checklist to make schools SLD-friendly: • Train teachers in early identification: https://shorturl.at/wnCfS • Implement remedial support and accommodations like assistive tech and alternative assessments: https://shorturl.at/L0taD • Use inclusive teaching strategies like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and diverse materials: https://shorturl.at/iTj8S • Leverage technology for accessible learning: https://shorturl.at/RU9p5 REMEMBER: This isn’t just about ticking off boxes—it’s about creating real, lasting change. When inclusion becomes the norm, all students benefit. Learning outcomes improve, engagement rises, and dropout rates decline. 🌟 As we celebrate #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth, let’s pledge to make inclusion a reality for all children. The time for action is now. Let’s #Act4Dyslexia now. 🌟 #InclusiveEducation #SLD #LearningDisabilities #EducationReform #MainstreamInclusion #EmpowerEveryChild #ActionForInclusion

Ever wonder what makes a special educator so, well, #special? These professionals are the lifeline for students with #learningdisabilities, guiding them through challenges that traditional teaching can’t always address. Their work extends beyond academics—they empower students to lead independent, fulfilling lives. A #specialeducator approach is never “one-size-fits-all.” They design personalized learning journeys tailored to each child’s unique #learningstyle and #supportneed. Here’s how they make a real impact: 📚 Closing Learning Gaps: Special educators provide individualized support, often working with students one-on-one or in small groups, 2 to 4 times a week, outside the classroom. They don’t just build foundational skills, the teach students how to learn, engaging all the senses through hands-on activities, and multi-sensory techniques. 💬 Holistic Support: These educators collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, counsellors, teachers, and parents to address learning challenges, as well as #executivefunctioning, emotional well-being, and other critical areas. This holistic approach ensures that students with SLDs not only succeed academically but also develop the skills needed for independent living. 🎓 Qualifications of a Special Educator: To effectively support students with SLDs, special educators need specific qualifications, such as a B.Ed. in Special Education. To work in Indian government schools, they must be certified by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). They often specialize in supporting a #disability group. ⚠️ The Challenge: It’s recommended that for every 5 students with SLDs, there should be 1 special educator. However, India faces a serious shortage—while over 70 lakh special educators are needed, only 1.20 lakh are registered with RCI, and just 28,000 are employed in the educational system. Despite mandates under #SamagraShiksha to hire special educators at the block level, this gap persists due to several factors: lack of qualified candidates, limited institutions offering relevant courses, and under-identification of students with SLDs. 💡 Reflection: How can we ensure every child with an SLD gets the support they need? Upskilling current educators to specialize in SLDs could be a game-changer, but systemic changes are also required to address this growing need. Special educators are the backbone of inclusive education. They don’t just close gaps—they open doors to new possibilities, helping students with SLDs thrive. 👉🏻 Tune in to watch: https://lnkd.in/gi7sSQYJ This Dyslexia Awareness Month, let’s pledge to #Act4Dyslexia by advocating for more special educators. Know an educator making a difference? Tag them and celebrate their work! #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #DyslexiaAwareness #SLDEducation #DisabilitySupport #EmpowerStudents #Act4Inclusion

Children with #learningdisabilities require both inclusive teaching & remedial support to help them overcome specific challenges and succeed academically. ❓So, what’s the difference between inclusive teaching and remedial support? ▶️ While #InclusiveTeaching provided by general educators helps these children learn better, #RemedialSupport by special educators ensures they know how to learn by addressing their specific learning challenges. ▶️Inclusive Teaching is about adapting teaching strategies and providing accommodation to address the needs of diverse learners in the classroom, using approaches like Universal Design for Learning. ▶️Remedial Support, on the other hand, is personalized. Delivered by qualified special educators, it focuses on building foundational skills in students with LDs, like #cognitivedevelopment, #executivefunctioning, & targeted support in language. It’s about giving them the tools to process and learn more effectively. ❓What Does Remedial Support for a Child with LD look like? #Language & #Communication interventions: address struggle with the basics of reading and writing, such as phonics, word decoding, and syllable segmentation. Multisensory techniques—combining visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic tactile learning —are used to teach these skills. Techniques like tracing letters and words further help reinforce language structure, leading to better fluency, comprehension, and writing skills. #SpecialEducation Interventions for Academics: focus on key academic skills—like reading, writing & math—using structured, research-based interventions to build a solid academic foundation. #ExecutiveFunctioning interventions focus on improving key skills such as planning, organization, and time management. These interventions are designed to help children stay focused, manage tasks, and organize their thoughts, in school and beyond. They also target areas like attention, active-working memory, & problem-solving abilities. By strengthening these cognitive processes, children can improve their ability to process information, retain what they learn, and navigate both academic and everyday tasks with greater ease. #SpeechTherapy for children facing challenges with verbal communication, speech therapy improves speech clarity, pronunciation, and overall communication skills, helping them engage better in academic and social situations. #OccupationalTherapy addresses difficulties with motor skills or sensory processing by helping them develop coordination, manage sensory input, and improve functional skills like handwriting. In addition to remedial support, individuals with SLDs, may also require #socialemotional #counselling to address concerns like anxiety, depression, bullying etc. REMEMBER: With the right support—whether it’s language classes, academic interventions, cognitive skill-building, or counselling sessions—children with SLDs can thrive both in school & in life. This #dyslexiaawarenessmonth, lets #Act4Dyslexia

🧑🎓 Teachers are the fulcrum of inclusive education for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs). They play a central role in: - Screening for #learningdisabilities - Supporting students with #SLDs - Nurturing their strengths to help them thrive in mainstream classrooms   Beyond teaching, teachers collaborate with #specialeducators, #parents, #classmates, and #administrators to create a #support system tailored to each student's needs. To be effective in this role, teachers need holistic training in #inclusiveeducation, that adopts a strengths-based approach, enabling students to leverage their natural talents like #dyslexicthinking.  Mainstreaming inclusive strategies into ongoing teacher development is critical. Training should cover:   - Inclusive Teaching Strategies: Using Universal Design for Learning (#UDL) to create flexible, accessible learning strategies for all students.   - Lesson Planning & Modification: Adapting #lessonplans to cater to diverse learning styles and support needs of CWSN, such as incorporating hands-on activities and alternative assessments.   - Inclusive Classroom Management: Implementing strategies that ensure participation from all students while recognizing their strengths and challenges.   - Inclusive Assessments & Providing Accommodation: Designing assessments that account for different learning styles and fairly evaluate students with SLDs, while providing reasonable accommodations   - Integrating Technology: Leveraging tools like screen readers, voice-to-text software, and interactive platforms to enhance inclusion.   This training must be embedded in both pre-service and in-service professional development programs. Equipping teachers with these skills improves #learningoutcomes for students with SLDs and benefits all students.   While effective teaching strategies are essential, teachers also need tools to manage needs of children with special needs. One such tool is the Individualized Education Plan, #IEP which provide:   - A Personalized Roadmap: Outlining accommodations, goals,services and transition plans needed for the student to succeed. It focuses on both strengths and struggles.   - Tailored Support: Specifying interventions like speech or occupational therapy, including frequency and duration.   - Progress Monitoring: Ensuring regular review and adjustment to meet the student’s evolving goals.    Incorporating IEPs into classroom practice allows teachers to provide structured, individualized support and track progress effectively.   💡 REMEMBER: Mainstreaming inclusion in all teacher training and enabling IEP implementation helps create truly inclusive classrooms. Join us in our commitment to enable teachers to #Act4Dyslexia—because when we equip teachers to support students with SLDs, we help all students thrive. #InclusiveEducation #TeacherTraining #SLDs #IEPs #UDL #Accommodations #Neurodiversity #Act4Dyslexia #InclusiveClassrooms

In our last post, we highlighted the critical need for inclusive education for students with #SpecificLearningDisabilities (SLDs). The challenges are significant, but there’s encouraging news: in spite of many challenges, policy action is beginning to take root!   💡 States are stepping up to #Act4Dyslexia, and promising best practices from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Nagaland show that real change is possible at the grassroots level when inclusion is made a priority in education reform.   In Uttar Pradesh, under Samagra Shiksha, one teacher per school is being upskilled to become a Special Education Nodal Teacher. These educators serve as the go-to support for students with special needs, including those with SLDs. Training for general teachers is also underway, ensuring they are equipped to screen and address the needs of students with SLDs. Additionally, in collaboration with District Magistrates, health camps are being organised for disability certifications, and a special screening campaign for SLDs has been conducted.   In Bihar, the focus is on early identification and building teacher capacity. SCERT has embedded SLD modules across various in-service teacher training and leadership programs, and DIETS have started training pre-service teachers. A screening list for SLDs has even been added to Holistic Progress Cards for students in Grades 1-3. Plus, for the first time, posts for Special Educators in SLDs have been sanctioned.   Nagaland is adopting a holistic approach by integrating SLD inclusion across the implementation of Samagra Shiksha and NIPUN. As part of learning enhancement interventions, teacher training, inclusive resource development, and awareness campaigns are underway. Special educators have been upskilled to address SLDs, and the state has developed accessible teaching-learning materials (TLMs) for grades 1 to 3. Teacher sensitization and training are ongoing to make schools more inclusive. Nagaland has started piloting a program to accelerate screening and strengthen inclusive schools.   These examples demonstrate that real progress follows when inclusion is prioritized. But the work doesn’t stop here. The key to success is ensuring these best practices are scaled across all regions. 👉 Tune in to see how it's been done - https://lnkd.in/gqEHPmxd The time to #Act4Dyslexia is NOW. It’s time for policymakers and administrators to take bold action. Inclusion must become a core part of mainstream education reform. By scaling best practices, embracing innovative models, and ensuring that changing mindsets are part of the process, we can create lasting change. 👉 What actions are you seeing in your region for inclusive education? Comment to let us know. Let’s keep the conversation going! MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA National Council of Educational Research and Training ( NCERT ) sanjay kumar Orkids Foundation SOCH Foundation Maharashtra Dyslexia Association Madras Dyslexia Association

As we push forward with education reforms, there’s one question we can’t ignore: How can we achieve our educational goals if we exclude the 20% of students with #LearningDisabilities, especially when their needs intersect with our most pressing goals: improving learning outcomes, lowering dropout rates, and addressing the growing mental health crisis.   The National Education Policy- #NEP2020 acknowledges this and creates a clear pathway to achieve inclusive education, yet true inclusion is still treated as an “extra,” not a necessity. This is the problem.   We often hear, “There are too many challenges already. Let’s fix the system first.” But how can we fix the system without inclusion? Inclusion can’t be an afterthought—it must be at the center of reform to improve outcomes and equity. 💡 The cost of exclusion? Devastating! - Students with SLDs are 35% more likely to drop out by 8th grade. - They are 46% more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.   The time to #Act4Dyslexia is NOW. Here’s what needs to change:   📊 Identification & Screening - Only 1 in 20 students with SLDs are diagnosed in schools. - Teachers must be equipped with tools to identify SLDs. Early screening must be part of school routines to prevent poor learning outcomes and mental health challenges.   👩🏫 Teacher Training - Only 7.8% of teachers are trained to support children with special needs. - Multi-sensory, #UDL-based teaching and inclusive assessments need to be in every teacher’s toolkit. These strategies benefit all students. With IQ>85, these students can thrive in mainstream inclusive classrooms   📚 Flexible Curricula & Accommodations - NEP 2020 mandates accommodations like multisensory approaches and adaptive assessments, but they must be implemented early and consistently. - Accessible materials—textbooks, workbooks, and question banks—are critical for students with SLDs.   💡 Create Alternative Pathways for #DyslexicThinking - Stop forcing students into rigid molds. Dyslexic students excel at problem-solving, lateral thinking, and innovation—skills critical for a #futureready workforce. - We need alternative pathways that help them engage in STEM, innovation and entrepreneurship to nurture their #dyslexicthinking strengths.   💻 Leverage Technology - Tools like text-to-speech, audiobooks, and adaptive platforms can close learning gaps. Every school must have access to assistive tech, and teachers need training to use it effectively.   🏫 Transform Schools for Inclusion - Every school must be ready to support SLDs. School transformation programs should include special education, and schools must assess their readiness to ensure every student can thrive.   The stakes are high. If we don’t #Act4Dyslexia now, we won’t just lose a generation of learners—we’ll lose tomorrow’s innovators. It’s time to prioritize inclusion, build capacity, and create schools where no learner is left behind.  

People with #learningdisabilities face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom—impacting daily life in areas like staying organized and managing everyday routines. But here’s the good news: overcoming these hurdles isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter. With the right tools and strategies, you can make a huge difference in how you tackle your day. Let’s break it down. Something as simple as splitting tasks into smaller, manageable steps, using checklists, and setting up easy routines can be total game-changers. Even better? #Assistivetechnology like text-to-speech, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and reminders don’t just help with school or work—they make everyday life easier, too. Take managing time, for example—a common challenge for people with learning disabilities or co-occurring conditions like ADHD. Instead of constantly running late or feeling overwhelmed, many use clever hacks. For instance, some set playlists or alarms to time how long tasks will take, using songs as reminders for when it’s time to wrap up and move to the next step. Breaking tasks into chunks and using music as alerts can help make this process less stressful and more manageable. This works to manage the morning routine of getting ready, reminders to eat food, and even completing assignments. Or consider reading and writing. Small adjustments like changing your device’s display settings to larger text or higher contrast can make content easier to read. Tools like text-to-speech apps can read aloud documents, turning a tough reading assignment into something manageable. AI-powered tools can help summarize large amounts of information or even assist in drafting better emails—great for people who struggle with organizing thoughts or feel anxious about writing. Another example? Watching videos. Closed captions don’t just help those with hearing impairments—they can be a major aid for anyone struggling with audio-processing challenges. Slowing down or increasing the playback speed of a video can help with comprehension, while pairing text with visuals helps deepen understanding. We’ve curated a list of these strategies for you, and the best part is, most of these tools are already built into the devices you use every day! So why wait? If you or someone you know has dyslexia or another learning disability, now is the time to start exploring these tools. Empower yourself by tapping into tech that’s right at your fingertips. You’ve got this—let’s turn obstacles into opportunities! And remember: it’s about progress, not perfection. As you grow, these strategies can evolve with you. From managing time better to staying focused, simple tech can transform daily challenges into stepping stones for success. #Act4Dyslexia #TechForAll #BreakingBarriers #Neurodiversity #LifeHacksForSLD #InclusionMatters #SLDAwareness #dyslexicthinking #Innovation4Inclusion #ExecutiveFunctioning #DailyLifeSkills #Empowerment #dyslexiaawarenessmonth

Raising a child with a #learningdisability is like being on a rollercoaster you didn’t choose to ride—there’s that heart-stopping free fall where everything feels uncertain and out of control. It’s scary, but with each twist and turn, you find moments of exhilaration and breakthroughs that make the ride worth it. Our children, as Steve Jobs would say, are "the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently—they’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things... They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do." As parents, we are the first guardian, the fiercest protector, the loudest advocate, and the unwavering supporter to ensure that our child can traverse that unique path.  But let’s be real—this journey can be exhausting. Mothers often find themselves giving up their personal lives and careers to become full-time caregivers, teachers, and emotional anchors. Society pressures them to “fix” what isn’t broken, to make their child fit into a mould not designed for them. 📊 Over 50% of parents raising children with disabilities experience burnout and anxiety, shouldering the weight of their child’s future. But the key to happiness lies in acceptance—understanding that raising a child with #dyslexia isn’t about fixing them; it’s about empowering them. Tune-in to the conversations of a few #commando parents- the Invincibles- who never stopped believing in their child’s potential. They remind us that the path to happiness is acceptance, that raising a child with learning disabilities isn’t about fixing them—it’s about empowering them. 💡Here are the 10 commandments that keep us parents going: 1. Acknowledge strengths & weaknesses. No one is perfect. 2. No hiding, no shame—we are proud of who we are. 3. Build an ethic of hard work and giving our best, without measuring success. 4. Redefine success. Never settle for less. 5. Open & honest communication. Don’t forget to laugh. 6. Include without excluding. 7. Build support systems. Educate and advocate with friends, family, teachers, and ourselves. 8. Never shy away from asking for the support you need—it’s your right. 9. Manage expectations. Follow their passion. Let them live life on their own terms. 10. Take one day at a time. Nothing is impossible; we just need to find a way. Watch 👉 : https://lnkd.in/gdWs5B7P ✨ This Dyslexia Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to empower and support the parents who believe in their children’s potential every single day. Let’s #Act4Dyslexia and listen to the stories of parents who never stopped believing.

Ever wondered, “What exactly is dyslexia?” or “How can I better support someone with learning disabilities?” Maybe as a parent, you’ve asked, “Why is my child struggling with reading and spelling?” Or as a teacher, you’re looking for resources, and as an employer, you’ve questioned, “Is a dyslexic person qualified to be a manager?” You are not alone! Many of us have these questions, but finding the right answers can be tough. But now, there's a game-changer— ✨AskPurpleFlame✨ is here to help! Powered by BharatGPT and developed by ChangeInkk Foundation and CoRover, AskPurpleFlame is India’s first #multilingual, #voice-enabled AI chatbot designed to answer all your queries about learning disabilities like #dyslexia. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer, student, policy maker, educationalist or simply curious, AskPurpleFlame has the answers. From strategies on fostering inclusive education to practical guidance on SLDs, it’s your go-to tool for personalized and reliable information. And the best part? It’s available in multiple Indian languages and is voice-enabled for all! Scan the QR code or visit changeinkk.org/ask and start chatting with PurpleFlame. Let’s educate ourselves, break free from the myths and misconceptions and find way to support those with learning disabilities. Together, when we #Act4Dyslexia, we can include those with #SLDs in all that we do.   What question are *you* most curious about? Ask away and share your experience in the comments below!👇 Orkids Foundation | SOCH Foundation | Maharashtra Dyslexia Association | Peepul | Bharti Airtel Foundation | Piramal Foundation | UNICEF | Dream A Dream | The Palace School - India | The Shriram Millennium School | Heritage High School | Sanskriti | Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) | UNESCO MGIEP | Schoolnet India Limited | CSF | Muskaan Dreams | Teach For India | Leadership For Equity | Madras Dyslexia Association ##ChatAssistant #PurpleFlame #InclusiveEducation #Act4Dyslexia #LearningDifferences #SLDAwareness #BharatGPT #CoRoverAI #EarlyIntervention #ChangeInkk #EquityForAll #NEP #DyslexiaAwareness #InclusiveEcosystem #AssistiveTech #EdTech #Innovation #I4I #DigitalIndia #ChangeInkkTheConversation #Speak4Dyslexia #InclusivityMatters #Neurodiversity #Innovation4Inclusion #EquityInEducation #BreakingBarriers #DiversityAndInclusion #EmpowerThroughEducation #AccessibleAI #ResponsibleAI #AIMission

Every child deserves the chance to succeed. For students with SLDS that chance comes through accommodations—the tools that level the playing field, allowing them to reach their full potential. Just like glasses help a child with poor eyesight, accommodations empower students with SLDs to navigate their challenges and shine. Accommodations aren’t an unfair advantage—they are a fundamental right. Protected by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, accommodations are defined as the necessary adjustments that allow individuals with disabilities to exercise their rights on equal footing. From the moment an SLD is identified, often starting in Grade 3, these accommodations must be in place & continue throughout a student’s academic journey and beyond. They’re not just for exams—they transform the entire classroom experience. Accommodations aren’t temporary. As students grow, their needs evolve, but the support remains essential—not just for success in school but for lifelong achievement in education and the workplace. They provide a lifeline, offering students the chance to participate fully and to thrive. Here’s how accommodations make a life-changing difference: - Extra time eases the pressure, giving students the space to process information and complete assignments or exams without rushing. - Reader/scribe support enables students who struggle with reading or writing to show what they know. - Exemptions from second or third languages allow them to focus on subjects where they can excel - Preferential seating helps reduce distractions, so students can stay focused - Alternative assessments, like oral exams or bullet point answers, let students demonstrate their knowledge in the way that works best for them - Breaks during lessons and exams help students manage their energy and concentration over long periods. - Assistive technology—speech-to-text, text-to-speech software, and calculators—brings learning materials within reach, especially when human resources like scribes aren’t available. It’s important to know that all major school boards—national, state, and international—as well as competitive exams like NEET and JEE offer accommodations. Whether you’re a parent or an educator, check with your child’s school or board to ensure they receive the support they need. REMEMBER: Accommodations aren’t just about passing exams. They ensure that students’ learning outcomes are truly measured. Whether in summative or formative assessments, or even in surveys that measure learning outcomes, accommodations make sure assessments are fair, accurate, and reflective of each student's true abilities. This Dyslexia Awareness Month, let’s #Act4Dyslexia by ensuring no child is left behind. It’s our responsibility to make sure we don’t deny them their rights. No child should wait for the accommodations and support they need to unlock their potential—let's enable students with SLDs to not just survive, but truly thrive—in school, in work, and in life