Kanpur 25 April, 2025: Dyslexia is a type of learning disability that affects reading and learning skills. Early identification of this neurological condition in children is crucial to help them cope and secure a brighter future. Awareness is key, as many people struggle to understand the behaviour of children with dyslexia. To address this, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has launched an initiative for children with dyslexia. The plan is to identify government schools in Kanpur's rural areas, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram, and train teachers to act as counsellors, providing support to these children.

A workshop has been conducted

This initiative began with a workshop at the NLK Academy in Kanpur. To strengthen psychological support in government schools, raise awareness among teachers about the needs of children with dyslexia and dysgraphia, and expand non-clinical assessments for dyslexia, Cute Brains Private Limited (a startup incubated at IIT Kanpur), organized an impactful workshop at NLK Academy on April 24, 2025. Over 30 teachers participated in the program. With the CSR support of Dana Foundation and assistance from the startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, Cute Brains is committed to guiding government and private primary schools. The goal is to sensitize parents and teachers, assist in non-clinical assessments, and provide application-based interventions using the assistive application (AACDD) for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia.

IIT's Deputy Director and former Head of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Braj Bhushan, shared his thoughts on this noble initiative. He stated that the CSR fund of the Dana Foundation is being utilized to target government schools, which cater to underprivileged children who often lack attention and resources. Previously, a training program was conducted in Varanasi with the help of a company, where teachers were trained to support children with dyslexia. The program aims to work with 100 children, and so far, 59 have been assessed, while the rest are undergoing testing. Out of these, four children have been identified as having dyslexia.

Explaining the symptoms and identification of dyslexia, he said, "Dyslexia is a neurological condition that causes difficulty in reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes speaking. It is a common learning disability that is not related to intelligence. People with dyslexia often struggle to process words, letters, or sounds, which can lead to slow reading speed or difficulty understanding words."

IIT Kanpur is continuously working to brighten the future of children with dyslexia. In the coming times, awareness about dyslexia will be taken to a larger scale. Additionally, through data surveys, efforts will be made to understand the extent of its impact on children in different regions. By doing so, IIT Kanpur aims to develop targeted interventions and support systems that cater to the specific needs of children with dyslexia, ultimately empowering them to reach their full potential.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.