Our CORRESPONDENT
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 4
State Commissioner for the Disabled, Dr. Atha Vizol underscored that there is serious need to raise awareness amongst all sections of the people across Nagaland to open up to the differently-abled towards building an inclusive society.
“We are a Christian state but except for affected parents, we do not know much about the disabled community….Our people are ignorant about the needs of persons with disability,” he lamented. Expressing concern that many still believe in myths associated with disabilities and in seclusion of persons with any disability or disabilities, the official asserted that more intensive awareness programmes have to be carried out to all levels from decision making level to communities.
He was addressing the World Disability Day 2014 programme organized by Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) at Lerie Panchayat Hall in the state capital on Wednesday. The day, promoted by the United Nations since 1992, is observed every year on December 3 with the aim to encourage a better understanding of people affected by a disability or disabilities, awareness of their rights, dignity and welfare.Dr. Atha Vizol said as per the 2011 census, there are about 30,000 people with disability in Nagaland, but he believes the number would have increased by now. He pointed out that even with such statistics; due to lack of proper awareness there is absence of facilities and infrastructure such as proper ramps for differently abled people in public places in the state.
In Kohima, he said, through repeated sensitization, several establishments like the New Secretariat, DC office, NPSC office and the Arts College have come up with wheelchair ramps for the differently abled. However, he stated there is much that needs to be done particularly in schools, offices, churches and other public places. We have to learn and find out ways to extend support to the differently abled persons, he emphasized.
Meanwhile, he said that there are government facilities that can be availed by persons with 40% disability. Towards this, he informed parents and families of differently abled that a disability certificate may be availed from a medical practitioner at district hospitals, with which the social welfare department will issue ID cards for availing such facilities. For the interior parts of the state, he said the department is preparing to conduct health camps in different locations under different districts to issue the certificates.
The official also mentioned that an appeal to revive the defunct District Disability Rehabilitation Centre at Dimapur has been sent to the government, and loan facility for the differently abled with minimal interest is being pursued with the banking community at the moment.
During the programme, four children with special needs from Kohima- Chumremo Kikon, Khriesazo, Rokoveinai Sevaroleko and Siivinai Sevaroleko- were acknowledged for winning different competitions at the national level this year.
It was learnt that the venue of the function, Lerie Panchayat Hall is being used as a classroom for students of Government Primary School (GPS) Lerie. Although many privately run inclusive schools are coming up in the state recently, GPS Lerie is said to be the first government institution in Nagaland to have an inclusive curriculum since 2013.
The school runs up to class-3, and the WEC chairman Teisovilie informed during the programme that ample infrastructure will be set up soon to cater to the needs of the students.
Earlier, CCRC field secretary Rev. Vevozo Khamo invoked God’s blessing while GPS Lerie children with special needs presented a song. The programme was chaired by NAPAD president, Neivakrano Christina Mor.
MON: International Day of persons with Disabilities was observed with the theme ‘Sustainable Development: The promise of Technology’, focusing on the role of technology in; – Disaster Risk Reduction and emergency Responses. – Creating Enabling Working Environments. – Disability inclusive Sustainable Development Goals, was organized by World Vision India (WVI) in collaboration with Mon District Handicapped Society (MDHS) at Council Hall Mon Town on December 3 with Thejavizo Nakhon, NCS, (EAC Sadar) Mon as the chief guest.
The observance of the world disability day is aimed to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with Disabilities, and to seek to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with Disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Speaking at the function, the EAC challenged the differently able persons to come forward and pursue in their God given gift with interest so as to refine and develop their talent. He also emphasized on the need to create awareness on the rights of the Disabled persons to the able persons so that they may change their attitude and be more sensitive in executing their duties towards disabled persons. He also briefly highlighted on the proclamation of the International Day of Disabled Persons by the United Nations.
Meanwhile Mongyo, V/President KNSK while appealing the disable persons not to get discouraged for their disabilities said ‘we should thank God for the gift of life that each one of us has been gifted’. According to her, God has created each one of us for a purpose.
Earlier the program was chaired by M.Wangshok, President MDHS, welcome and introduction by Lorence Soy (WVI), Invocation by Nahngom Pastor KBCM, Special songs and items by Amazing friends Ministry Chingai ward, Nyelei, Longmoi & Party T/Chingnyu, Poem reading by Mosa, Disabilities rights by Dr.L.Khobung, Programme manager (WVI) and vote of thanks was pronounced by Penjeih Advison MDHS.
Dimapur: Naga Blind Association celebrated the 13th World Disabled Day with the rest of the world at the School for Visually Impaired Complex, Notun Bosti Dimapur, with the theme:- “Nothing about us without Us”. Dimapur ADC Elizabeth graced the occasion as chief guest and encouraged appreciated the vissually impairred students activities and abilities. The program winded up with a mass prayer.
