Normalizing idea of disability a bigger need, says disability comm.

[caption id="attachment_251067" align="alignright" width="270"] Diethono Nakhro[/caption] Our Correspondent Kohima, May 25 (EMN): People with disabilities are the “largest group of minorities in the world, the loneliest and poorest section with no ample opportunities of employment and inclusion,” Nagaland’s Commissioner for Disability Diethono Nakhro says. Nakhro was speaking on the topic of “disability and inclusion” at a seminar on inclusion-creating support systems, and to bridge gaps for children with special abilities. The programme was organised on May 25 by Bumblebee Inclusive School at Kohima. For a long time, nothing was done for the person with disabilities’ (PWD) rights and entitlements in Nagaland. Although the Right of PWDs act was passed in 2016 and enforced in 2017; the Act was enforced in Nagaland only the previous year, she said. Nakhro, a former journalist, urged for holistic implementation of the Act. The lack of accessibility is at the core of inclusion, she said. ‘Lack of participation in community life, churches, and the attitude of the society towards PWD are some of the main concerns.’ The commissioner said that normalising disability in a bigger need was important rather than taking it as something to be healed from. Neikule Doulo, master franchisee at Aloha Mental Arithmetic spoke about her experiences. As a parent, she tried to fix everything for her child in the beginning, but endeavoured in a journey of acceptance, Doulo said. There is a need to make the child independent as much and possible and “enabling the child to reach the potential the child can,” she said. ‘It is imperative to impart others not to ill-treat children with special need, but encourage peer-to-peer interaction.’ Clinical Psychologist Themmungla Raman spoke about the psychological and emotional understanding of a child with special needs. She said that early intervention for children with special needs is most effective and helpful for the child, parents and the society. A top-down approach to removing stigma also helps in building stronger self-esteem. This approach will help people with special needs, particularly those who are susceptible to depression and other mental health issues. A special educator and headmistress of Bumblebee Inclusive School, Kopele Tepa, said that the objective of the school was to look at inclusion of every child in every sphere of life. It makes sure the children are not secluded but brought to learn in mainstream settings. It also gives children the care of letting them learn and perform at their pace, she added.