Leveraging core competencies in project management and teaching, Tata Interactive Systems has forged new paths in the field of learning disabilities

As with all good management initiatives, the corporate sustainability (CS) programme at Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) started with some brainstorming — what could be done, to what extent, where, how, etc. TIS looked at several CS options, but one thing was clear — more than just time and money, the team at TIS wanted to contribute skills. This led to a comprehensive analysis of the areas in which TIS core competencies — project management and teaching skills — could be leveraged to provide the maximum impact.

The answer soon emerged: the field of learning disabilities (LDs). A newspaper highlighting the plight of the Sion Hospital Learning Disabilities clinic in Mumbai, India — about to be shut down due to a funding crisis — revealed a critical need that could be resolved by TIS endeavours.

Initially, TIS's primary focus was to help the clinic get back to a normal footing by providing funds for salaries, stationery and other basic necessities. Once these needs were fulfilled and operations had stabilised, TIS moved on to a broader and deeper engagement with the clinic, an engagement which has progressively grown over the years.

TIS now works on multiple levels in this field: financial, clinical, curricular, local and regional. The efforts include:

• Software development — the development of a patient management software system
• Development of special books — the creation of a fun-filled, visually rich book called Brain Teasers that was distributed free of cost at the clinic
• Developing educational material and syllabi for schools
• Building partnerships with different LD organisations including Nasen, UK and Maharashtra Dyslexia Association
• Conducting the annual Tata Interactive Learning Disability Forum (TLDF) to improve knowledge sharing globally, help increase awareness, and promote remedial activities
• Helping define the Special Educator course and making changes in state curricula of medical and B.Ed programmes
• Creation of an LD website to act as a global resource on LD
• Participation in the Mumbai Marathon

"Working in the field of LD has been a journey of continuous learning and improvement. We have viewed our CS activity as a management task, with goals and objectives to be achieved. And we have encouraged widespread participation from employees and senior managers to support this,'' says Sanjaya Sharma, CEO, TIS.

The CS process cycle at TIS begins with inputs in the form of suggestions or requests for support, either from employees or external agencies. These are then reviewed by the executive committee. After the requests are analysed, appropriate budgets are allocated and action plans are developed. The implementation is followed by a review that leads into learnings and insights for future activities.

These efforts have resulted in a very successful strategy for TLDF: a "think global, act local" strategy. It seeks to improve the awareness of LD, promote remedial measures, increase the active participation of schools, incorporate LD in medical and B.Ed syllabi and induce changes in government policies. TLDF 2006 marked a big step for TIS as the first global symposium of its kind in India. TLDF 2007 brought out deeper insights on LD, with topics ranging from early detection and remediation to psychological intervention for children with LD.

TLDF 2008 is expected to take up the cause on a higher platform, with TIS actively partnering with research organisations and the US-based International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Having propelled the wheels of change in Mumbai, the TLDF team now hopes to generate a similar movement in Kolkata — starting off by hosting the TLDF 2008 in both the cities.

Each year, the results of TIS's efforts are evaluated. The evaluation is done on the basis of a number of LD-aware schools, certified students, proportion of special educators per school, changes in syllabi / government policies and the success of students who have received LD remediation.

The results have been heartening:

• 924 LD children have received certification in 2007
• 250 new schools have registered for LD certification
• LD is now a subject in the Maharashtra MBBS course
• LD will soon be a part of the B. Ed curriculum

Says JC Mistry, senior vice president and the mentor of TIS's LD initiatives, "Our vision is that the areas of strength of every child with LD are identified, the educational qualifications required for the same are laid down, and finally, through certification and remedial education these needs are addressed. This would ensure that all children with LD achieve their innate potential."

For Mr Mistry and TIS, the aim is to grow higher, spread wider and reach out to every child with special education needs.

Uploaded in February 2008