Free Translation of Circular NO. DDE/HS-5/154-14

CIRCULAR No.DDE/HS-5/15414
Office of the Deputy Director,
Education, Churchgate,
Mumbai -20

Dated 17-5-97

To,
The Principals / Headmistresses
Of all Recognised, Aided / Unaided Schools.

Subject: Meeting held on 16.5.97 regarding Dyslexia, in the presence of Honourable Minister of Transport Shri Pramod Navalkar

All the recognised aided and unaided schools in Greater Bombay Division are hereby informed that there are some Learning Disabled (LD) students studying in their schools. Their learning disability is an invisible handicap which may include dyslexia, dysgraphia and/or dyscalculia.

These children are physically normal like other children and their disability is not externally visible. They are not mentally retarded nor do they have a psychological weakness their intelligence is like that of any average child or even better. They have a specific problem due to which the brain is unable to analyse / interpret correctly the message received by it due to which they make mistakes in writing and numerical calculations. Because of this learning disability, they are neglected and lag behind in their studies.

A meeting was called on 16.5.97 in the presence of Honourable Minister for Transport Shri Pramod Navalkar to discuss ways to assist these LD children to overcome their disability so that they do not lag in their studies or get left out of the mainstream of education. The following instructions have been put forth with respect to the points raised at the said meeting:-

Action should be initiated as per the circular dated 29.12.95 of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education and Government order dated 27.03.97

1. DYSLEXIA AND DYSGRAPHIA The students in the category may be permitted to opt for any two languages out of the first, second and third language group. However, out of these two one language should be English (as first or third language) if they are willing to opt for the third language, they can do so, otherwise they have to opt for one subject of Work Experience which will be for 100 marks. The examination of this Work Experience subject will be conducted by the Board.
   
2. DYSCALCULIA This category of students will have the option to take instead of Mathematics (150 marks) an Arithmetic paper for std 7 level for 75 marks and a Work Experience subject (not the same as the work experience offered in lieu of language) another 75 marks. Dyscalculia students can be provided with a writer for Arithmetic. The writer has to be a student studying in or equivalent to std. 6. These students will be granted additional 30 minutes time to solve their papers.
   
3. DYSLEXIA AND DYSGRAPHIA These students will be provided a writer for their written exam and also 30 minutes extra time of solving their question papers.

1. Students of Std. IX and X to be given concessions as per A, B and C above.
   
2. There should be a special sympathetic consideration for such students.
   
3. If any of the symptoms of Dyslexia, Dysgraphia or Dyscalculia are observed in class, parents must be personally informed. Parents must also be guided to ensure that the child has no psychological problems.
   
4. The method of teaching LD students should be modified to suit their needs.
   
5. Care should be taken to see that they do not develop any inferiority complexes.
   
6. The provisions granted in this circular should be granted to all students at their class level once the student produces the necessary certificate of the competent authority mentioned in the State Board Circular.

This information is to be given to all concerned.