Mandatory screening sought in schools for disability awareness

A PIL seeking a direction to state Education Department Officials to conduct mandatory screening for students in Government and Government aided schools for creating awareness about learning disabilities among students, was filed in the Madras High Court bench today.
Petitioner Dr S Vijayaraghavan also prayed for creating a mechanism to emphasize the alternative strengths of such students and provide concessions for them by way of providing extra time and a quiet environment during examinations.
He also prayed that they be granted waiver in teaching foreign languages and allowed recording of lectures instead of taking notes.
Chief Justice Rajesh Kumar Agarwal and Justice Chitra Venkataraman posted the case for hearing on March 20.

The Petitioner said there were Government Orders providing for concessions to children with learning disabilities,but no mechanism to screen them. Hence a committee should be constituted to create awareness on learning disabilities among students, to the teachers.
He also prayed for an interim direction to officials to conduct periodical workshops and training programmes on learning disabilities among school teachers.
The petitioner contended that six to seven per cent of students have learning disability (Dyslexia). Among them 85 per cent had primary learning disability. But Dyslexia was not widely recognised. Hence he had filed the petition.