For many children in India the access to a school where they can actually learn is challenging enough. However, in rural area like Pollachi, for government school children from under privileged family, an additional hurdle such as learning disability can prove too difficult to overcome.
Many government schools in India place children with different academic abilities and varying educational needs in the same classroom. Only 48% of standard V students in rural India were able to read a class II text in 2014. The children with weak learning foundations progressively lag behind and end up leaving school without basic literacy and numeric skills.
Children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) can face multiple forms of exclusion in family, school and thus often limiting their participation in their community. It can also mean they don’t go to school or that they aren’t given the support that they need. Ignorance or a lack of resources, sometimes both, is a real issue; of equal concern is the drive to ensure quality remedial education for children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD).
We at Outreach Remedial Center a unit of OutReach Educational and Charitable Trust (In association with V-Excel Educational Trust, Chennai) believe that every child should have access to quality education, independent of their socio-economic circumstance. We know that our remedial educational programs that are targeted directly at children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) from below poverty line families help to address their low levels of learning outcomes.
Here are the success stories from our School Adoption Program of 3 government school children who are pursuing their school education despite coping with challenging Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD).
Imran is 09 year old boy, admitted with ADHD and behavioural problems in the month of March 2023.He lacks focus and is not interested in academics. He was given various therapies like Play Therapy, Behavior modification therapy to calm him and create interest in learning. Occupational therapy and and group therapies was initiated for him to make him accommodate in remedial education. Today, Imran has shown drastic improvement in behavior, he is regular to classes and showing interest to learn concepts.
Vishnu Vardhini is 15 year old girl student . dropped out from school during class 09, due to her physical deformity, hindering her mobility which was a challenge for her to mingle with her peer group in a formal school. Today with the help of Alternative Learning ( NIOS), it has helped her to overcome her difficulties in learning and Physiotherapy exercises has helped her to overcome her difficulty in walking. She is now A HAPPY STUDENT pursuing her education through NIOS Board with us!
Dushyanth, is a 09 year old student with a condition of involuntary hand and leg movements, known as GENERALISED CHOREA! He was unable to walk and stumble upon things. Further, the boy is non verbal and has drooling which is due to lack of his oral muscle strength and after interventions like intense Physiotherapy and Speech Therapy, he is now able to walk uninterrupted and initiated to speak few words. Our Early Intervention therapies, has helped the student to overcome his conditions. Thanks to our therapists and special educators for their support.
Jinesh was a bright, observant child who, at the age of 3, exhibited limited eye contact, delayed speech, and a tendency to repeat phrases he heard—an indication of echolalia. He was also heavily dependent on screens, often fixated for hours, showing signs consistent with virtual autism, a condition linked to excessive screen time during early developmental years.
At first, communication was a challenge. Jinesh would echo questions instead of answering them and had trouble initiating interaction. His play was solitary, and transitions from one activity to another were difficult. Recognizing the need for intervention, his parents sought professional help.
Intervention BeginsJinesh was enrolled in a multidisciplinary early intervention program that focused on: Speech and Language Therapy: To address his echolalia, build meaningful communication, and support comprehension.
Occupational Therapy: To improve sensory processing, motor planning, and attention.
School Readiness Program: To prepare him for structured classroom settings, including routines, social interaction, and basic academic foundations.
A screen detox plan was also introduced, gradually replacing screen time with interactive play, outdoor activities, and hands-on learning. Progress Over Time Within a few months:Language Use Improved: Jinesh began using spontaneous speech instead of echoing. He learned to answer questions, express needs, and even initiate conversations.
Social Engagement Increased: He began playing alongside peers, making eye contact, and showing curiosity about others.
Behavior and Attention Improved: With sensory integration and routine, Jinesh became more regulated and adaptable in new environments.
By the time he turned 5, Jinesh had shown significant developmental gains. His therapists and educators collaboratively prepared a transition plan to help him integrate into mainstream kindergarten with mild support. Thriving in Mainstream Education
Today, Jinesh is thriving in a mainstream school environment. He6 participates in group activities, communicates confidently with teachers and peers, and shows a keen interest in learning. His teachers describe him as an inquisitive, imaginative child with strong visual learning skills.
While he still receives periodic support through speech sessions and classroom accommodations, Jinesh has made remarkable strides. His early diagnosis, timely intervention, and a supportive environment have helped transform his challenges into strengths.
From an early age, KasyapKanna was different from his peers. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (a condition on the autism spectrum), he struggled with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and communication challenges. However, there was one place where KasyapKanna felt truly at home—music.
The Challenges He Faced
Growing up, KasyapKanna found it difficult to:
Prakalya was born with a cleft palate, a condition that affected her ability to speak clearly. Her parents were initially worried about her future, especially about how she would communicate and be understood by others. However, they were determined to give her the best care possible.
Surgery and the First Steps Toward Recovery
At the age of one year, Prakalya underwent cleft palate repair surgery. The surgery was successful, closing the gap in her palate and allowing her to start forming clearer sounds. However, surgery alone wasn’t enough—she needed speech therapy to overcome articulation challenges and develop proper speech patterns.
The Role of Speech Therapy
At the age of two and a half years, Prakalya began speech therapy sessions with a specialist. Initially, she struggled with:
Nasality – Air escaping through her nose while speaking
Articulation – Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds like "s" and "sh"
Word Formation – Limited vocabulary due to delayed speech development
With consistent therapy over the next few years, Prakalya’s speech began improving significantly. Her therapy sessions included:
Oral exercises to strengthen tongue and lip movements
Sound repetition drills to practice difficult words
Breathing techniques to control airflow for clearer pronunciation
Interactive storytelling to build confidence in speaking
The Breakthrough Moment
By the time Prakalya turned six, she was confidently speaking in full sentences, engaging in conversations, and even participating in school activities. Her biggest milestone came when she delivered a short speech during a school event—something her parents once feared might never be possible.
Today: A Confident Communicator
Now, at eight years old, Prakalya speaks fluently and enjoys storytelling, reading aloud, and making new friends. Her journey from cleft palate surgery to fluent speech is a testament to the power of early intervention, therapy, and perseverance.
Message of Hope
Prakalya’s story is a reminder that with the right medical care, therapy, and support, children with cleft palate can achieve clear and confident speech. Her journey inspires many other families facing similar challenges, showing them that recovery is possible and that every voice deserves to be heard.
At just five years old, JaiRakhav has already shown incredible resilience and determination. Diagnosed with acquired speech delay, he initially struggled with oral reading, interactive communication, and engaging with his teachers and peer group at school. These challenges not only impacted his academic performance but also his confidence in social settings.
Recognizing the need for early intervention, JaiRakhav’s parents sought the support of professionals. He began regular sessions of speech therapy, which focused on improving his articulation, language comprehension, and expressive communication. Alongside this, occupational therapy helped strengthen his motor planning, sensory integration, and attention span—skills that are crucial for classroom learning and social interaction.
With consistent support, patience, and encouragement, JaiRakhav began to make remarkable progress. His vocabulary expanded, he grew more comfortable expressing himself, and gradually started participating more in class. His reading skills improved significantly, and he began enjoying books and storytelling activities.
Today, JaiRakhav is a confident and active student who engages meaningfully with his peers and teachers. His ability to communicate has blossomed, and he now performs well academically and socially. His journey is a testament to the power of early intervention, parental involvement, and the dedication of skilled therapists.
JaiRakhav’s story continues to inspire others facing similar challenges and serves as a reminder that with the right support, every child has the potential to thrive.
Rohit, a bright and curious 10-year-old, once faced significant challenges due to phonological and articulation errors that affected his ability to speak clearly and read confidently. His struggles often left him feeling hesitant to participate in class discussions or read aloud, which impacted both his academic performance and self-esteem.
Understanding the importance of early and focused intervention, Rohit's journey began with targeted speech and language therapy. His sessions included building phonological awareness skills, enhancing reading fluency, and engaging in language-based games that made learning interactive and fun. These interventions not only addressed the technical aspects of his speech and reading difficulties but also nurtured his confidence.
Over time, Rohit showed tremendous improvement. His speech became clearer, his reading skills strengthened, and most importantly, he began to believe in himself. He started participating actively in classroom activities and expressing his thoughts without hesitation.
Today, Rohit is a confident communicator who speaks and reads with ease. His journey highlights the importance of timely support, consistent practice, and a nurturing environment. Rohit’s success is a powerful reminder that with the right guidance and dedication, every child can overcome obstacles and perform well.
These are just few of the incredible success stories of children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) who are learning against the odds at government schools in Pollachi, adopted by OutReach Remedial Center - A unit of OutReach Educational and Charitable Trust in association with V-Excel educational trust, Chennai.
A school is a place of learning, but it’s much more than that. It’s a network of support and a catalyst for success, academic and social; further, it’s an arena to positively challenge, influence and change the attitudes and beliefs that we hold about ourselves and others.
Children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) are still being denied the education they deserve. We share the dream and the belief of Abdul Wahab, Shahid Ajmal and Mohammed Dalha that remedial education is transformative; it allows children to transcend their circumstance and realise their full potential.