Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

Have you heard of Albert Einstein or Thomas Edison or Alexander Graham Bell? Of course yes, you know them! They are the great inventors whose inventions are still talked about, and their inventions have paved the way for several new innovations. But did you know what was common to all three of them? They all suffered from learning disability sometime in their lives.

The spread of awareness on issues like learning disability in India is very recent. There is still inadequacy in the rehabilitation services and special education programmes. Even if there are facilities, the lack of awareness prevents them from getting utilized. A better awareness of learning disorder and at the same time a better awareness of culturally acceptable means for treating the affected children can only decrease the burden on affected children, their families and society in India as a whole.

Learning Disability is a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intellectual and social functioning. Arrested or incomplete development of mind might be considered to mean whatever caused the disability occurred in childhood or before.

LD can create a crisis between children and parents, and often the quality of the attachment is affected in a negative way. Parents are special in their own way but parents of special children with disabilities are uniquely special. Always remember that parents are role models for their children, and children are quick to enact the behaviour of their parents. To develop a positive outlook in your child, it is first important to be optimistic yourself. A simple change in your attitude will transform the parenting of your child with a learning disability from challenging to easygoing.

It is important to diagnose learning disability to decide the appropriate line of care. An early diagnosis will help in treating the manageable physical and psychiatric conditions. In some conditions genetic counselling is also required. Besides psychiatrists, even paediatrician, general practitioners and other hospital specialists may also help in diagnosing learning disability.

"The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995," which came into force in the year 1996, is a significant step in the direction of ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities and their full participation in the nation building. This law is a landmark and grants provisions like education, employment and vocational training, job reservation, research and manpower development, creation of barrier-free environment, rehabilitation of persons with disability, unemployment allowance for the disabled, special insurance scheme for the disabled employees and establishment of homes for persons with severe disability etc.

Your positive attitude and your efforts along with proper moral support can successfully help you or your child to overcome this disability. Always remember that even an ‘IMPOSSIBLE' says ‘I-M-POSSIBLE.' So, this year on the Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, get yourself abreast of the information on learning disability and measures to overcome it.