Dr. MGR Home and Higher Secondary School for the Speech and Hearing Impaired, Ramapuram paid tribute to its founder Dr. M. G. Ramachandran organized a seminar on his birth anniversary which enhanced the educational perspectives of Children with Hearing Impairment.
The seminar based on the transformative theme, “Breaking Barriers and Bridging Gaps in Learning for Children with Limitations in Auditory Processing – A Multifaceted Approach”.  This insightful seminar which was held on January 17, at the School auditorium. The deliberations were greatly benefited the teachers to identify challenges in the process of learning and in building a better learning environment. It helped the teachers identify the challenges faced by children in class and help overcome it.
Dr. M.G.R. HHSS for the Speech and HI is dedicated to improving the lives of children with limitations in auditory processing through education, advocacy and support services. By fostering awareness and providing resources for Parents, Educators and Professionals, the organization aims to create a barrier-free learning environment where children with limitations in auditory processing can thrive.
The event featured renowned experts in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Developmental Pediatrics.
The topics that discussed in this seminar were Overcoming problems in learning, using ABA strategies, Identifying, analysing and solving the actual barriers of learning associated with Behavioural challenges, Differentiating between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Behavioural challenges, AI as a tool in Breaking Barriers and Bridging Gaps in learning and identification of developmental disorders that inhibit learning and ways to tackle them.
Dr. S. Paramasivan, Former Director of School Education, Govt. of Tamilnadu inaugurated the seminar. He praised the character of Ponmana Chemmal Dr. MGR, Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the service rendered by Dr. MGR Homeand Higher Secondary School to the speech and hearing impaired children. He praised the teachers for their valuable services, he also thanked the Correspondent Dr. Latha Rajendran and encourage her to continue supporting the hearing impaired children.
Prof. Dr. K. Muthuchelian, Former Vice-Chancellor, Periyar University, Salem was the guest of honour. He said that AI is the gateway for inclusivity and practical intelligence. He also insisted that AI helps in addressing learning disabilities in earlier stages and personalized listening experiences. He concluded that a child is like a butterfly in the wind. Some can fly than others but each one flies by their own. “Each child is different”.
Dr. Latha Rajendran, Director of Dr. MGR HHSS for the Speech and HI and Dr. MGR Institute of Special Education and Research welcomed the participants to the seminar and those connected online. Teachers read out the annual report of the current academic year. This includes student participation in academic and co-curricular activities. Awards were given to the students who had achieved outstanding results in the academic year.
Below were the key topics touched upon by the Resource persons:
Deepan Raj, Technical Manager, Data Science talked about the Gen AI tools used to enhance teaching material. Dr. Manu Arun, Developmental Pediatrician enlightened special educators and parents on screening kids for developmental disorders and touched upon accommodative strategies for special children to stay in class rooms. Joel Joy, Manager, RR Donnelley presented about the overview of learning styles and how they intersect with the needs of children with Hearing Impairment using AI. Bhagyalakshmi, Certified ABA practitioner, Psychologist and RCI licensed Special Educator talked about using ABA strategies in classrooms and at home to enable their wards to overcome barriers in learning.
Every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. This seminar was an important step in providing, discussing and sharing the tools that helped break down the barriers that children with limitations in auditory processing face in their educational journey.
Special Educators, Educators, Parents, and Volunteers who are interested in improving the educational experience for children with limitations in auditory processing attended this seminar.