The workshop on ‘Learning Disabilities: Effective Strategies and Intervention’ was held on 30th and 31st October 2019. This workshop was held in association with MARIA Special Education Services and was facilitated by resource persons from the University of MALTA.

The resource persons for the workshop were Dr .Ruth Falzon (University of MALTA), Dr. Edward Feneeh (CEO Eden Leisure Group), Dr. Marlene Cauchi (University of MALTA) and Dr. Maria Josephine.
The workshop began with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries and invoking the blessings of the Almighty. This was followed by the welcome address by Dr. Jose Cherian.
During the first session, Dr. Maria gave us an insight on the scenario of inclusive education in India. It was very informative with regard to the facilities for and the rights of the students with learning disabilities. The follow up session was quite inspirational with Dr. Edward sharing his testimony and journey of having overcome the challenges he faced irrespective of his learning disabilities. Dr.Ruth kept us all engaged in her interactive session on assessments and identification of learning disabilities among students in a regular classroom.
During the second day’s first session, Dr.Marlene enabled us to reflect on our actions as individuals and as teachers. We have learnt that our non-verbal and verbal communication can help create a secure classroom environment, this was followed by Dr. Ruth reminding us about how interventions help teachers and students through her suggestions and ideas. We culminated the sessions with Dr.Marlene’s take on helping skills in the classroom and the importance of peer mediation.

The workshop concluded with the valedictory function. During the function, the certificates were distributed to all the participants by the dignitaries. The valedictory address was delivered by Dr.Tony Sam George.
Our take home message from this workshop would definitely be reflecting the voices of our children “Don’t Give up on Us”. Timely intervention from all stakeholders be it parents, family, teachers, medical practitioners and society can make anything possible for our little ones.