Awareness Regarding Dyslexia Among Primary School Teachers: A Study in the Context of Social Work

Abstract

Dyslexia is a condition that is covered under the specific learning disabilities (SLD) in the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPwD Act, 2016). Dyslexia is characterised by
inaccurate reading, poor spelling and slow reading. Objective: The objective of the study
was to ascertain the awareness regarding various aspects of dyslexia among primary school
teachers employed in Government schools in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Method: A
descriptive research design was used for the present study. Respondents were selected by
multistage sampling technique. A total of 128 primary school teachers from government
schools in HP and Punjab were included in the study by using simple random sampling. The
structured interview schedule was used as a tool for the study. The tool was also converted
into an online survey form using Google Forms. Collected data was then entered in MS
Excel and univariate analysis was done. Findings: The study found that 89.84% of
respondents have heard about the term ‘SLD’ and 91.40% of respondents have heard about
the term ‘dyslexia’. The study also found that only 11.97% of the respondents were aware
about the RPwD Act 2016, the legislation in which SLD is covered. The major source of the
information of the respondents regarding dyslexia was mass media (42.59%) which also
included movies like ‘Taare Zameen Par’. Respondents considered genetic factors,
environmental factors, brain injury as causes of dyslexia. Few teachers also believed that it
was a communicable disease. Awareness about all the ‘warning signs of dyslexia’ and ‘signs
and symptoms of dyslexia’ was reported by 72.65% and 71.79% of the respondents,
respectively. 86.32% of the respondents stated that they can identify a child with this condition
and according to 35.90% of the respondents, at least one child with this condition was present
in their school. 78.63% of the respondents could identify the various strategies associated
with the management of this condition. The study also found that 64.71% of respondents
were aware of the full form of ‘UDID’. Based on these findings the study makes an attempt
to highlight ways in which a social worker can create awareness regarding this condition and
play a pivotal role in the holistic development of these children. This will also ensure the
fulfilment of the objectives of National Education Policy 2020.