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IIT Kanpur

IIT Kanpur Helps Drive Awareness on Cognitive Challenges through Expert-Led Workshop

26 Mar, 2025 | IITK News

Addressing the pressing cognitive challenge such as dyslexia and dysgraphia, IIT Kanpur played a pivotal role in a sensitization workshop organized at Vallabh Vidyapith Balika Inter College, Varanasi. Cute Brains Pvt. Ltd. spearheaded the event, with support from IVY Cap Securities and the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST).

Prof. Braj Bhushan from IIT Kanpur, an expert in cognitive science and Co-founder and Director of Cute Brains, led the session with a comprehensive explanation of dyslexia and dysgraphia. He highlighted the cognitive challenges faced by children with these conditions and demonstrated the advantages of using the Assistive Application for Children with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia (AACDD), an innovative digital tool designed to support pre-primary school children in their learning journey.

Talking at the event, Prof. Braj Bhushan from IIT Kanpur said, "The Assistive Application for Children with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia (AACDD) is a training module for school children in classes 1 to 5 with dyslexia and dysgraphia. It integrates visual, auditory, and haptic feedback to aid the acquisition and reproduction of Hindi letters. Developed as a touchscreen-based assistive tool, it enables reading through auditory feedback and supports learning Hindi word patterns. With three levels—tracing, jigsaw puzzles, and word writing—it helps enhance reading and writing skills in Hindi-speaking children." 

The workshop witnessed participation from educators, parents, and key stakeholders, all eager to understand the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Dr. Mukta Pandey, Principal of Vallabh Vidyapith Balika Inter College, welcomed the participants, while Prof. Anita Singh, Head of the Education Department at Harishchandra PG College, distributed certificates to attendees.

The Directors of Cute Brains, Mr. Manas Sinha and Mr. Gyan Prakash, shared their vision to expand assessment and intervention activities, ensuring that more children across India receive the support they need.