MDA was started in March 1996 by a group of parents and professionals with a view to creating awareness about Dyslexia amongst the educational community in the city and the general public, and advocating the rights of students with Learning Disability. MDA aims to provide a better understanding of this common, but often misunderstood condition and provide appropriate remedial assistance, thus working towards the acceptance of the special needs of children with learning disability and enabling them to reach their full potential. MDA is located in four centres in and around Mumbai and has a team of psychologists, special educators and other professionals, offering various services, which include: • Diagnostic and remedial facilities for children and young adults • Study Skills • Workshops in schools and colleges • Counselling services for parents as well as students • Aptitude Testing and Career Guidance Counselling • A Parents Support Group to cater to the needs of parents of children with learning disability • A Research Unit to undertake research projects and develop appropriate teaching and testing material suited to the local conditions • A Training Centre where training workshops / talks for small groups of teachers and other professionals are conducted • The Dyslexia Therapist Training Programme in collaboration with the Multisensory Language Training Institute of New Mexico • An Advocacy Cell that negotiates with the education authorities for the rights of children with Learning Disability • A Reference Library with books, journals and latest information on learning disability and related areas, which is accessible to all
