Library > Health & Safety > Differently-abled

LDKids

2001
Unlike other disabilities/handicaps, learning disabilities are invisible. Because of this, they often go undiagnosed. Undiagnosed Learning Disabled Kids are erroneously labeled lazy and unmotivated, and they suffer needlessly because they are punished for being off task, and for failing to demonstrate their obvious intelligence in their academic performance. This results in low self-esteem and depression due to their feelings of unworthiness caused by the knowledge that they are disappointing and hurting their parents. They find themselves incapable of doing anything to change that, and often end up believing that they are stupid. Feeling different at an age when they just want to fit in, they develop poor peer relations and often become academic or social dropouts. This site was created to avert such a disaster. In this virtual tree house, LD kids can learn more about their disabilities and discover ways in which they can help themselves. This information is available in text form, streaming audio, and via mobile phone through WAP technology. Kids can also receive immediate answers to their questions by asking "Dr. Doggy" - a cute and loveable internet artificial intelligence bot, and they can interact with each other and share their feelings via the multilingual message boards and chat room. Most importantly, they can meet others like themselves, develop friendships, talk about their hopes, dreams and goals and come to the realisation that they are not alone on their path of life.