Arun Fernandez Antony Gnanasekar

Director

Blink Foundation

India

7 profile visitsSpeaker

My organisation

Blink Foundation is a not for profit foundation that works towards raising awareness and focuses on early screening of children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD) like Dyslexia. By galvanizing parents, teachers, communities and society to break the stigma and myths around SLD, we aim to identify children with SLD early, thereby giving them a shot at a better academic future. Timely intervention offering different learning options is paramount for a child with SLD. Through the free and easy to use Different Learners Screening App, parents and teachers can identify children with SLD early (less than 13 years of age) within the comfort of their homes. With AI-powered customized questionnaires, all efforts are made to ensure that the individual academic challenges of the child are clearly understood. Our array of awareness videos help parents understand the struggles faced by the child. Special Educators help identify key problem areas, aiding the parent in making informed choices about the extent of remedial intervention required by their child.
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About me

Arun is a trailblazer in the field of education, committed to empowering children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and transforming the educational landscape in India. With over a decade of experience and a deep-seated passion for inclusive education, Arun has spearheaded multiple impactful initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges faced by Different Learners.

Founder, DLearners (2020 – Present)

Arun established DLearners, a pioneering assistive tech platform dedicated to providing seamless educational opportunities for children with SLD. Since its inception in 2020, DLearners has been at the forefront of integrating innovative solutions and assistive technology to enhance learning outcomes for children with special needs.

The journey began in 2015 with the launch of 3R Labs in educational institutions, which laid the foundation for DLearners' impactful growth. The scientifically validated content framework, developed in collaboration with autonomous organizations under the Indian Ministry of Social Justice, underscores the credibility and effectiveness of the initiative.

Managing Director, Blink Research and Service Pvt. Ltd. (2015 – Present)

In 2015, Arun took his mission further by founding Blink Research and Services (BRS), a transformative organization dedicated to empowering children with learning difficulties such as Dyslexia. BRS works collaboratively with key stakeholders to create tailor-made solutions that boost the academic performance of Different Learners.

Arun’s visionary leadership has driven consistent research efforts to define and implement strategies that not only identify learning challenges early but also provide actionable support mechanisms. By focusing on passion, ability, and skills, the programs designed under BRS are helping children realize their full potential.

Founder Director, Blink Foundation (2014 – Present)

In 2014, Arun laid the groundwork for his impactful journey by founding the Blink Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that raises awareness and champions early screening for children with SLD. The foundation plays a vital role in breaking societal stigmas and myths surrounding learning disabilities like Dyslexia.

Through community engagement, parent and teacher training, and awareness campaigns, the Blink Foundation promotes early identification and intervention, ensuring children with SLD receive timely support. Free tools and resources offered by the foundation have reached countless families, giving children with SLD a chance to excel academically and beyond.

A Legacy of Inclusion and Innovation

Arun’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education has created a ripple effect, inspiring educators, parents, and policymakers to rethink traditional learning models. His initiatives—DLearners, Blink Research and Services, and Blink Foundation—are a testament to his belief that early intervention, awareness, and technology can bridge the gap for Different Learners, giving every child an equal opportunity to thrive.

Arun’s work continues to impact the lives of thousands of children and families, making him a distinguished leader in the realm of inclusive education.

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Additional questions

Title (Academic/Diplomatic/Aristocratic/Political)

Director

Pronouns

he/him

Areas of Activity

Employment

Entrepreneurship and micro-financeHigher education to prepare for the labour market

ICT (Information and Communication Technologies)

Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Big Data SolutionsCommunity and Knowledge PlatformInternet of ThingsTranslation/Conversation Tools

Other Areas of Activity

EducationIndependent Living and Political ParticipationAccessibility

At #ZeroCon25, I am looking for...

ConsultingFinancing/InvestmentIncrease expertise in accessibility and inclusionInvitations to international conferencesLicensing PartnershipsNetworkingProject CooperationsResearch Cooperations

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Increase expertise in accessibility and inclusionNetworkingProject CooperationsResearch Cooperations

Speaker sessions (1)

Friday, 7 March 2025

12:00 - 13:00

Innovative ICT-based solutions

Format:In-personLocation:M2Track:Zero Project Awardees
  • ICT innovations
  • English captions | International Sign

From social robots to platforms for persons with dyslexia, AI-powered video relay interpreters, and more: this session highlights innovative ICT-based solutions from Zero Project Awardees.