Software to teach kids with Down syndrome : India

 

Considering the need to effectively teach mathematics to children affected with Down syndrome, an exclusive software has been developed by an expert in Trichy. The software has pictorial representations for various mathematical calculations that would help the children learn mathematics in a simple way.

“The idea is to improve the ability to learn mathematics among children with Down syndrome,” said K Meena, patron of Down Syndrome Group of Tamil Nadu, who developed the software.

She said almost a year has been put into developing the software and that skill development for such children play a major role.

“Most of the time parents and teachers are unaware of the methodologies to teach such children and assume they cannot learn mathematics. The software would address such misconceptions and help them learn mathematics with pictorial representations,” said Meena.

“While there are several challenges in teaching mathematics to children with Down syndrome, their enthusiasm and ability to use visual sense effectively is indeed an advantage,” she added.

“Close to 50 lakh children suffer from Down syndrome in India, which is also the highest in the world,” said Dr M S Ashraf, consultant physician at Ayesha Hospital. Training of these children is vital and this software sets a bench mark in their education.

Saying that the disorder is common and not rare as many believe, he said, “Down syndrome is often misunderstood as mental retardation. Parents go for neurological treatment and medication after consulting physicians. Instead, they should be trained from as early as 6 months.”

Speaking after launching the software, Vice-Chancellor of the Alagappa University S Subbiah said a separate department has been opened at the university to provide BEd and MEd courses in handling children with special needs.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Trichy  / K Sambath Kumar, TNN / November 22nd, 2015

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