The Madras Dyslexia Association (MDA), a Chennai-based non-profit founded in 1992 by parents, educationists, and philanthropists to support children with dyslexia, continues to be a changemaker. In addition to remedial help, parental support, school resource rooms, and teacher training, MDA actively raises community awareness, most recently organizing a ‘Dyslexia Awareness Walk’ in Chennai to mark ‘Dyslexia Awareness Month’
D Chandrasekhar, the founder and President of MDA, emphasizes creating a dyslexia-sensitive society through such initiatives. Over three decades, MDA has assisted thousands of children, trained teachers, and established resource rooms in schools, transforming the landscape of dyslexia support in India.
Origins of the Madras Dyslexia Association
D Chandrasekhar, an IIT-Madras alumnus and first-generation entrepreneur, recounted attending a dyslexia remediation training program in 1992 with his wife, which led to the suggestion from a trainer to form an association. Chandrasekhar noted initial challenges such as a lack of clarity and public awareness about dyslexia, along with parental denial.
Despite these obstacles, MDA persevered through relentless awareness programs, providing special assistance to dyslexic children and overcoming misconceptions about their intelligence, thus laying the foundation for systemic change.
MDA’s Comprehensive Support System
Initially focused on teacher training, MDA expanded to include a remediation centre with both part-time and full-time programs, adopting and modifying techniques from the United States and the United Kingdom to suit Indian children. They innovatively integrated multiple sensory techniques, including verbal, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile methods.
MDA also provides Occupational Therapy to enhance physical ability, sensory integration, attention, and concentration, fostering self-esteem and classroom performance, marking a shift towards more inclusive educational practices. Hydra, a division of MDA, nurtures children’s potential in a caring environment, in partnership with Vidya Sagar, empowering them to overcome stress and feelings of low self-worth. The Ananya Learning Centre, started by MDA in 1995, was one of the first of its kind, offering intensive help to children with dyslexia.
Empowering Dyslexic Children
MDA’s work extends beyond individual support, aiming to create a more inclusive and understanding society. Through teacher training and community outreach programs, MDA challenges prevailing misconceptions about dyslexia, fostering empathy and acceptance. By advocating for dyslexia-friendly policies in schools and workplaces, MDA is actively reshaping the educational landscape, ensuring that dyslexic individuals have equal opportunities to thrive.
Vision for a Dyslexia-Sensitive Society
D. Chandrasekhar, President of MDA, emphasized that events like the ‘Dyslexia Awareness Walk’ are essential for enabling a ‘Dyslexia sensitive society’. He highlighted that these initiatives enable parents, schools, and teachers to identify and accept this neurological condition, paving the way for remedial sessions using multi-sensory methods. Chandrasekhar’s multi-pronged approach includes assessments and remedial teaching for children, training for mainstream school teachers, support for setting up resource rooms in schools, and spreading awareness about dyslexia.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Madras Dyslexia Association’s thirty-year commitment to supporting children with dyslexia showcases the profound impact of grassroots initiatives driven by compassion and expertise. By fostering understanding and providing tailored educational support, MDA has not only empowered countless children to realise their potential but has also catalysed a more inclusive and empathetic society.
What other community-led initiatives are transforming education, and how can we support and amplify these efforts to ensure every child receives the opportunity to thrive?
