Thedepartment of Social Work organised a certificate course on foundation oflearning disability for MSW students of Mercy College, Palakkad. The course,spanning a duration of 30 hours of training in the month of 5 – 19 January 2026.A total of 21 students participated in the course. The course was handled byClinical Psychologist Dr. Sr. Sherin Joseph. She has done her Ph.D. in ClinicalPsychology from University of Santo Tomas Manila, Philippines.
Thecertificate course on learning disabilities was designed to provide studentswith a comprehensive understanding of LD, including its types, assessment,emotional and social impact, and legal frameworks. The course was structuredinto four key modules. The first module provided an overview of learningdisabilities, discussing their types, prevalence, and associated cognitiveprocesses. This module focused on various tools and methods used for assessingand diagnosing learning disabilities. The third module explored the emotionaland social challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities. Itcovered coping strategies, the importance of resilience-building, and the roleof mental health support in fostering confidence and self-esteem among studentswith LD. The final module examined legal policies and acts designed to protectand uplift children with learning disabilities. Discussions included policyframeworks for inclusive education, government initiatives, and the role ofvarious stakeholders such as families, schools, and communities. Additionally,advocacy skills for promoting inclusion and support for individuals withlearning disabilities were emphasized.
Thecertificate course provided valuable insights into learning disabilities, theirassessment, and intervention strategies. By understanding the emotional,social, and legal dimensions of LD, participants gained practical knowledge onhow to support individuals with learning disabilities effectively. The coursereinforced the importance of inclusive education, resilience-building, and communityinvolvement in fostering a supportive environment for children with learningdisabilities.
