CHENNAI: Around 12 auto and van drivers gathered at Sankalp—The Open School on Friday. A different kind of awareness on dyslexia was put together by a group of teachers and the school management for them. The session began with an introduction where every driver had to associate an adjective with their personality. Gradually each one started talking about their daily experiences while dropping and picking up kids. “The children are naughty.
They chat, fight with each other and never get into the auto in time. Sometimes they disturb me while driving. But, we’ve got used to their behaviour,” said one of the auto drivers at the awareness programme. “We were looking for simple ways to bridge the connectivity between the kids and outside world. We had to start with drivers whom they spend time with on a regular basis. In order to make the session interesting we used role plays, skits, a video and a few activities,” said Rashma Shenoy, deputy director for specific learning difficulty or dyslexia. The drivers were made to sit in front of mirrors with a newspaper to explain how kids with learning difficulty perceived the world.
When asked to read the words, each one found it difficult. This was followed by an explanation about dyslexia and the reversal of alphabets. This was followed by a video on how a mother discovered that her kid has a learning disability, and finds a solution. A video that had the kids talk about their drivers was also played. Most described their drivers patient, understanding, kind and their second parent. “A notice will be stuck behind these autos and vans. The drivers will be our messengers for spreading awareness about these special kids,” said Prathiba Srinivasan, principal of the school. The most interesting session was a role play by teachers.
While one acted like an auto driver the others took up the roles of mischievous children. “Always be patient with kids. They listen when you explain kindly. Do not encourage them to talk while you are driving. You don’t have to share everything they tell you with the parents; inform what’s necessary,” said the instructor. The session ended with an activity. Each driver was given a piece of paper and instructed to tear and fold the paper in a certain way with their eyes closed. This was an exercise to show how each person is unique by the way they folded the papers.
Perspectives matter
The drivers were made to sit in front of mirrors with a newspaper to explain how kids with learning difficulties perceived the world. When asked to read the words, each one found it difficult. Then they were taught about dyslexia and the reversal of alphabets