Towards empowering People with Disabilities in Nagaland

April 19, 2023 47 Views No Comment

Dimapur, April 19 (MExN): The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), Nagaland in collaboration with Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) organised a state level disability leadership workshop at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur on April 13.

A total of 63 persons with disabilities from all the districts and 14 others, including caregivers and resource persons attended the workshop.

During the workshop, Diethono Nakhro, SCPD Nagaland spoke on the Rights to Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPWD Act 2016) and its provisions, the forum stated in a press release.

Nakhro stressed on the importance of leaders in the disabled community and disabled people in general to be well versed and aware of their rights to get access to all kinds of services, schemes and provisions that are made available to them by the government.

“All disabled people must understand their rights to safeguard themselves from any type of possible discrimination and harassment in the society,” she asserted.

The State Commissioner also underlined the importance of education for persons with disabilities as well as the need for advocacy to ensure the proper implementation of the various provisions of the RPwD Act.

“Office of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities will continue to take all possible steps to safeguard and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in the state,” she assured.

Khriezovonuo Lhoungu, SPM, NSRLM spoke as a resource person in the workshop. She highlighted about the various opportunities and provisions for persons with disability under the NSRLM in the state. She encouraged the disabled community to take active participation in all the available opportunities.

NSDF President, Vikengunu Fatima highlighted about the formation and functions of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), and Kezhaleto Zecho, Senior Executive, NSDF spoke on the need and importance of Accessible Sports facilities in Nagaland for Sports Persons with Disabilities.

Ngaugongbe Hega, Joint Secretary, NSDF highlighted about Nagaland State Disability Forum, its aims and objectives of the Forum, while Ashe H Kiba, Program Coordinator, O/o State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) spoke on the ground reality of Persons with Disabilities in Nagaland. The programme concluded with interactive session with participants.