How a 3-Day Workshop with SLD Students Changed Our Perspective
Asmi Agnihotri | 15 March, 2024
Our recent visit to a school dedicated to students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) wasn’t just an observation—it was a profound awakening. We came with the intention of learning more about the challenges these students face, but what we left with was a deep sense of empathy, inspiration, and a clearer vision for how Daira—and Jeevisha—could truly make a difference.
Stepping into a world we thought we understood, we quickly realized how much more there was to learn.
These three days opened our eyes to the daily struggles of these remarkable children, the relentless efforts of their educators, and the undeniable need for a more tailored, compassionate approach to education. We weren’t simply visitors; we became part of their world, and what we learned will guide us in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for every SLD student.
Day 1: Understanding the Struggles and Daily Life
From the moment we stepped through the doors, the warmth and dedication of the school community embraced us. But as we spent time with the students, the gravity of their struggles became apparent. Tasks that many of us perform without a second thought—reading a sentence, solving a math problem, or even expressing thoughts—are monumental hurdles for them. Watching them navigate these challenges, sometimes with frustration but always with persistence, was humbling.
But it wasn’t just the academic difficulties that struck us. The social isolation these children face is perhaps even more daunting. Society often doesn’t understand their conditions, and this lack of awareness leads to marginalization. We heard stories of children being judged or misunderstood, even by those closest to them. Despite this, their resilience was awe-inspiring. These children radiated a strength that reminded us why Daira’s mission—and the essence of Jeevisha—is so critical. They deserve more than just support—they deserve understanding, empathy, and the tools to thrive.
Day 2: The Role of Educators in Bridging the Gap
The educators we met were nothing short of remarkable. Many of them have been teaching SLD students for years and have developed a range of creative strategies to help their students express themselves. They are relentless in their pursuit to include every student in the learning process, making sure that no one is left behind.
From customized lessons to one-on-one attention, they work tirelessly to help students navigate their personal and academic challenges. The care they provide goes beyond textbooks—they teach these children how to navigate life in a world that often doesn't accommodate their needs. Their commitment showed us the power of empathy in education, and it reaffirmed our belief that education should adapt to the student, not the other way around.
Day 3: Pilot Testing and Learning Through Observation
On our final day, we had the chance to dive deeper into understanding these students by using various tools and assessments aimed at grasping their unique learning styles. Observing their responses to different tasks gave us a glimpse into how their minds work—how some students excel with hands-on tasks but may struggle with abstract concepts, while others need structure and repetition to succeed.
During one specific observation, we witnessed a student struggle with a language-based task but thrive when given a visual puzzle. This was a moment that resonated deeply with our team. It highlighted the importance of truly understanding each child’s learning process and providing the right support system to nurture their strengths.
This experience was a pivotal moment that pushed us to develop Jeevisha—our initiative focused on early detection and personalized support for SLD students. The realization that each child’s potential could be unlocked with the right approach inspired us to design tools that would not only assess challenges but also help educators tailor learning environments to individual needs.
The Future of Assessments: Digitizing for Precision and Personalization
Our experience confirmed one thing: traditional assessments, while useful, sometimes fall short of truly capturing the needs of SLD students. We at Daira believe there’s a better way. We envision a future where assessments are not just more accurate but more compassionate.
We’re working on digitizing these assessments to make them interactive and adaptive. Imagine a tool that learns with the student—adjusting in real-time to their responses, making the process less stressful and more engaging. By integrating technology, we can track progress with more precision, offer personalized feedback, and give educators real-time data to help students when they need it most.
It’s not just about improving the assessments—it’s about making sure every student is seen for who they are, not just their challenges. With these advancements, we aim to provide each child with a learning experience that’s tailored to their needs, ensuring they not only succeed but flourish.
The Essence of Jeevisha: Tailored Support for Every Child
Jeevisha is more than just a program—it’s a movement toward a more inclusive and understanding educational environment. Our work is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their learning challenges, deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through personalized assessments, early detection, and targeted support, Jeevisha aims to break down the barriers that hold SLD students back and equip them with the tools to succeed—not just in school, but in life.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Change
This visit wasn’t just a step in our journey—it was a turning point. It deepened our commitment to creating real, lasting change for SLD students. We walked away with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that our work is just beginning.
At Daira, we’re committed to refining these tools and approaches. We want to ensure they’re accessible, adaptable, and impactful for the students who need them most. Our goal is to give every child the chance to not just survive in the classroom, but to thrive in life.
The journey continues, and at Daira, we’re more inspired than ever to walk it with them.
We’re not just building tools—we’re building a bridge. A bridge between what is and what could be. A bridge between challenges and potential. And we’re ready to take the next step. Together, with the unwavering dedication of educators and the endless potential of these students, we can create a learning environment where every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face.
Ready to make a difference?
How a 3-Day Workshop with SLD Students Changed Our Perspective
Asmi Agnihotri | 15 March, 2024
Our recent visit to a school dedicated to students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) wasn’t just an observation—it was a profound awakening. We came with the intention of learning more about the challenges these students face, but what we left with was a deep sense of empathy, inspiration, and a clearer vision for how Daira—and Jeevisha—could truly make a difference.
Stepping into a world we thought we understood, we quickly realized how much more there was to learn.
These three days opened our eyes to the daily struggles of these remarkable children, the relentless efforts of their educators, and the undeniable need for a more tailored, compassionate approach to education. We weren’t simply visitors; we became part of their world, and what we learned will guide us in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for every SLD student.
Day 1: Understanding the Struggles and Daily Life
From the moment we stepped through the doors, the warmth and dedication of the school community embraced us. But as we spent time with the students, the gravity of their struggles became apparent. Tasks that many of us perform without a second thought—reading a sentence, solving a math problem, or even expressing thoughts—are monumental hurdles for them. Watching them navigate these challenges, sometimes with frustration but always with persistence, was humbling.
But it wasn’t just the academic difficulties that struck us. The social isolation these children face is perhaps even more daunting. Society often doesn’t understand their conditions, and this lack of awareness leads to marginalization. We heard stories of children being judged or misunderstood, even by those closest to them. Despite this, their resilience was awe-inspiring. These children radiated a strength that reminded us why Daira’s mission—and the essence of Jeevisha—is so critical. They deserve more than just support—they deserve understanding, empathy, and the tools to thrive.
Day 2: The Role of Educators in Bridging the Gap
The educators we met were nothing short of remarkable. Many of them have been teaching SLD students for years and have developed a range of creative strategies to help their students express themselves. They are relentless in their pursuit to include every student in the learning process, making sure that no one is left behind.
From customized lessons to one-on-one attention, they work tirelessly to help students navigate their personal and academic challenges. The care they provide goes beyond textbooks—they teach these children how to navigate life in a world that often doesn't accommodate their needs. Their commitment showed us the power of empathy in education, and it reaffirmed our belief that education should adapt to the student, not the other way around.
Day 3: Pilot Testing and Learning Through Observation
On our final day, we had the chance to dive deeper into understanding these students by using various tools and assessments aimed at grasping their unique learning styles. Observing their responses to different tasks gave us a glimpse into how their minds work—how some students excel with hands-on tasks but may struggle with abstract concepts, while others need structure and repetition to succeed.
During one specific observation, we witnessed a student struggle with a language-based task but thrive when given a visual puzzle. This was a moment that resonated deeply with our team. It highlighted the importance of truly understanding each child’s learning process and providing the right support system to nurture their strengths.
This experience was a pivotal moment that pushed us to develop Jeevisha—our initiative focused on early detection and personalized support for SLD students. The realization that each child’s potential could be unlocked with the right approach inspired us to design tools that would not only assess challenges but also help educators tailor learning environments to individual needs.
The Future of Assessments: Digitizing for Precision and Personalization
Our experience confirmed one thing: traditional assessments, while useful, sometimes fall short of truly capturing the needs of SLD students. We at Daira believe there’s a better way. We envision a future where assessments are not just more accurate but more compassionate.
We’re working on digitizing these assessments to make them interactive and adaptive. Imagine a tool that learns with the student—adjusting in real-time to their responses, making the process less stressful and more engaging. By integrating technology, we can track progress with more precision, offer personalized feedback, and give educators real-time data to help students when they need it most.
It’s not just about improving the assessments—it’s about making sure every student is seen for who they are, not just their challenges. With these advancements, we aim to provide each child with a learning experience that’s tailored to their needs, ensuring they not only succeed but flourish.
The Essence of Jeevisha: Tailored Support for Every Child
Jeevisha is more than just a program—it’s a movement toward a more inclusive and understanding educational environment. Our work is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their learning challenges, deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through personalized assessments, early detection, and targeted support, Jeevisha aims to break down the barriers that hold SLD students back and equip them with the tools to succeed—not just in school, but in life.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Change
This visit wasn’t just a step in our journey—it was a turning point. It deepened our commitment to creating real, lasting change for SLD students. We walked away with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that our work is just beginning.
At Daira, we’re committed to refining these tools and approaches. We want to ensure they’re accessible, adaptable, and impactful for the students who need them most. Our goal is to give every child the chance to not just survive in the classroom, but to thrive in life.
The journey continues, and at Daira, we’re more inspired than ever to walk it with them.
We’re not just building tools—we’re building a bridge. A bridge between what is and what could be. A bridge between challenges and potential. And we’re ready to take the next step. Together, with the unwavering dedication of educators and the endless potential of these students, we can create a learning environment where every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face.