Historically, implementation models for inclusion of those with neurodiversity have been isolated, localized with limited large-scale impact. Further, when available, interventions for those with specific learning disabilities have been confined to the walls of a school- an unsaid assumption, that when you graduate from school, you are “cured of your disability”. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Due to the lack of support, Dyslexics are at a higher risk of dropping out of school, unemployment and underemployment, mental health challenges including committing suicide and/or becoming delinquent.
At ChangeInkk, we are working closely with our partner ecosystem, to implement and scale existing interventions that:
We also support piloting of out-of-the-box implementation models that will help accelerate the achievement of inclusion in diverse settings.
We are currently sensitizing and building capacities of educators (both in school and higher education) and employers on the many strengths and struggles of those with specific learning disabilities while providing them with the framework for inclusion in their institutions.
ChangeInkk has partnered with the Andhra Pradesh Department of Education to enhance the inclusion of children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs). The foundation supports the state in developing and implementing an inclusion strategy, including curriculum and policy review. Through technical assistance, ChangeInkk facilitates the mainstreaming of inclusion across programs, promotes early identification via screenings, and builds the capacity of teachers, school leaders, and stakeholders. Additionally, ChangeInkk leads advocacy and awareness campaigns to destigmatize SLDs, fostering a more inclusive education ecosystem across the state. This collaboration aims to ensure every child with SLD receives the support needed to succeed.
In November 2022, we signed an MoU with the Bihar Education Project Council (BEPC) to create an inclusive educational ecosystem where every child's potential is recognized and nurtured. In collaboration with BEPC and SCERT, our team is driving systemic changes to ensure that children, regardless of learning abilities, receive necessary support. Key achievements include incorporating an SLD checklist in Holistic Progress Cards (Grades 1-3), inclusive content in Buniyad training modules (Grades 1-8), and developing an inclusive Item Bank (Grades 1-2). Moving forward, we aim to streamline early screening and diagnosis, build educator capacity, and launch an online SLD course on the DIKSHA platform.
The ChangeInkk team in the Union Territory is advancing efforts in the early identification and screening of students at risk of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). As part of a plan to screen 90,000 school-going students, the team has trained 40 master trainers and oriented 1,300 school teachers on SLD and its types. These master trainers were further trained in SLD identification and screening, enabling them to guide 340 Nodal teachers selected to support children with special needs (CWSN). This initiative aims to positively impact 90,000 students, ensuring those at risk receive timely support to thrive.
In Jharkhand, we are dedicated to mainstreaming the inclusion of students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs). A key initiative focuses on building the capacity of stakeholders, including Balvatika teachers, Lady Supervisors of Anganwadi Centers, DIET faculty, headmasters, teachers, and block and district officials, with an emphasis on identifying and supporting SLD students through multisensory teaching approaches. We have assisted the state in developing a cross-disability module for teachers to create inclusive classrooms and are supporting the development of teaching materials for ECCE and FLN grades. Additionally, we are enhancing the diagnosis and certification process to provide targeted support for SLD students.
In Nagaland, we initiated early screenings to identify students at risk for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). We collaborate with district hospitals, inclusive educators, and parents for formal diagnosis and remediation. Additionally, we developed Universal Design for Learning (UDL)-based teaching materials for grades 1-3, incorporating working memory activities tailored for SLD students. We provided input on SLD accommodations at the K-12 level under SCERT and partnered with the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) to create an SLD information chatbot on their website. Our capacity-building training sessions equip educators with inclusive strategies, raising awareness and improving educational outcomes for students with learning disabilities.
In Uttar Pradesh, significant strides are being made under Samagra Shiksha to support children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). In the first phase, all 2,250 special educators received cross-disability training on SLD. Additionally, around 64,000 model teachers were trained on key topics, including identification, symptoms, types, classroom management, and parent counseling for children with SLD. In the second phase, a comprehensive screening campaign across council schools identified approximately 71,000 at-risk children. To provide these children with disability certificates, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, in collaboration with the Health Department, organized medical assessment camps in all 886 blocks. ChangeInkk played a crucial role in trainer training, module development, and certification efforts.
In collaboration with States and ecosystem partners, we are implementing 100 model inclusive school
5th January, 2024 marked a milestone for us as BUILD Higher Ed program was launched by Shri Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, MoE. Curated by ChangeInkk Foundation, it aims to establish inclusive higher education institutions for students with SLDs. This transformative program was inaugurated with Directors and VCs of 41 premier institutes including IIT's, Central Universities, NITs across India. The program was received with enthusiastic commitment and was concluded by Secretary sir with a strong call to action.
We focus on enabling higher education institutions' journeys with inclusion through partnering with them, to hand-hold them through the process. Presently, we are working with IIIT, Delhi wherein we target capacity building by sensitizing each stakeholder cohort - students, admin, faculty and raise awareness around SLDs and inclusive practices.
We have been supporting Ashoka University’s Office of Learning Support to hold thought leadership and best practices sessions on the many facets of inclusion of students with learning disabilities in higher education across the nation. - Dyslexic Mind and Ashoka Summit images
In close collaboration with AICTE, we have been conducting sensitization and capacity building sessions for higher education institutions across the country.
Enable employers across key sectors like technology to employ individuals with learning disabilities, by sensitizing, building their capacities and helping them adopt inclusive policies, focusing on inclusive hiring and recruitment, business practices, product and service development, procurement, and building leadership & culture.
This program is focused on empowering entrepreneurs with learning disabilities by supporting their innovation and growth through cohort-based incubation programs. The initiative builds the capacities of key startup ecosystem stakeholders—including incubators, accelerators, research parks, funders, and innovation hubs—to mainstream the inclusion of entrepreneurs with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs).
In February 2024, a leadership training session was held at IBM, focusing on enhancing leaders' abilities to integrate inclusive business practices into their strategies. The program aimed to empower senior management with tools and knowledge to foster diversity and inclusivity within IBM’s business ecosystem. Through interactive workshops and case studies, leaders explored ways to promote equity, belonging, and innovation.
On December 21, 2023, the Observer Research Foundation collaborated with ChangeInkk Foundation to foster discussions on strengthening disability inclusion. The panel, "Empowering People with Disabilities: Innovations & Policies for Inclusion," featured insightful remarks. The session emphasized the need for timely support, robust policies, and technology to bridge gaps and stressed building inclusive societies
At the NASSCOM Global Inclusion Summit 2023, Deepika Ghosh, ChangeInkk's Lead for Employment and Entrepreneurship, delivered a masterclass on the theme 'Inclusion for Innovation: Fostering Neurodiversity at the Workplace.' The interactive masterclass was attended by over 200 leaders, innovators, and changemakers from diverse industries, who learnt more about the need for organizations to make neurodiversity a part of their growth and innovation strategy, and received practical guidance on meaningfully including neurodiverse people in the workplace.
ChangeInkk Foundation collaborated with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India to organize a Conclave on Employment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) on 20th February, 2023, in commemoration of the World Day of Social Justice. The event brought together PwDs, government leaders, industry experts, and members of civil society to discuss ideas, share best practices, and explore opportunities to enhance employment prospects for persons with disabilities. The conclave kicked off with the felicitation of Karmayogis with Disabilities, followed by panel discussions on topics such as Experience Sharing: Journeys of Success - Professionals with Disabilities, Building the Pipeline: Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Disabilities, and Recruitment for Persons with Disabilities. To view the live stream of the event, please visit: Celebration of World Day of Social Justice | 20th February 2023.
In honour of International Dyslexia Awareness month, ChangeInkk Foundation and FICCI co-hosted a webinar titled 'Experience Sharing: Successful Models of Inclusion from Industry' on October 12th, 2022. Panellists included Virat Bhatia, Chairman, Mobile Manufacturing and Communications Committee at FICCI and Managing Director, India at Apple and Neha Sathish, Lead for CSR & D&I at Thomson Reuters India. The discussion was moderated by Chandana Singh, Founder & Consultant, Advocacy for Dyslexia. The speakers discussed the ease with which individuals with SLDs can be integrated into the workforce, with basic support. They emphasised that conversations around inclusion in the organisation must be framed in a positive manner, with a focus on how best to integrate and support persons with SLDs in performing to their fullest potential. To learn more, watch the discussion at Awareness Workshop on Dyslexia@Work