TLDF 2006

"While experts can tell us what needs to be done, TIS can actually make it happen by bringing its project management approach to the challenge."

- Sanjaya Sharma, CEO, Tata Interactive Systems

Tata Interactive Systems has been contributing towards increasing awareness about learning disabilities and improving the remedial interventions for a number of children across the country. Tata Interactive Learning Disability Forum 2006 (TLDF) was initiated as a means of expanding this effort and reaching out to a larger number of children in need.

TLDF 2006, a unique global symposium on LD – the first of its kind in India – held in Mumbai on November 30 and December 1, aimed to increase awareness and promote remedial activities, best practices and knowledge-sharing relating to learning difficulties.

The symposium also highlighted the major issues educators need to face and overcome while communicating with children who have learning difficulties.

Several noted paediatricians, psychiatrists, instructional designers and special needs educators as well as parents of children with learning difficulties attended the conference. The session covered several key areas of LD including biology and psychosocial and educational interventions.

The forum offered an opportunity to discuss topics ranging from how our understanding of the biological basis of LD has improved over the years to advocating a three-pronged approach of medication, education and psychosocial intervention to those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The participants discussed practical techniques of remedial interventions to help children with learning difficulties and innovative techniques such as mathematical storytelling were promoted to help overcome the difficulties.

Apart from spreading awareness on remedial measurs such as the Orton-Gillingham Therapy for dyslexia, the TLDF 2006 offered a global platform for discussing issues such as feelings of frustration, inadequacy and loneliness resulting in people with LD and techniques to overcome them.

One of the conference's key findings was that technology, especially computers, being non-judgmental and fast, could aid children with LD to learn since they allow them to practise their lessons and, by giving them the control over that learning, could also empower the children to learn.

The event provided an international platform for the leading educators and LD experts to network and share knowledge and also created a significant movement towards awareness of learning difficulties, which had earlier received scant attention in India.

TLDF 2008

TLDF 2007