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DIMAPUR, MARCH 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Government has informed the DCs of the State to adhere to the disability inclusive guidelines issued for protection and safety of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro in a letter to all the deputy commissioners stated that the following measures need to be acted upon by district administrations.
- All persons responsible for handling emergency response services should be trained on the rights of persons with disabilities, and on risks associated with additional problems for persons having specific impairments.
- Relevant information on support to persons with disabilities should be a part of all awareness campaigns.
- Some persons with disabilities may be using services of caregivers from outside the home. In such cases, caregivers should be allowed to reach the persons with disabilities by exempting them from restrictions during lockdown or providing passes in a simplified manner on priority.
- To ensure continuation of support services for persons with disabilities with minimum human contact, Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) must be ensured for caregivers.
- Persons with disabilities must be ensured access to essential food, water, medicine, and, to the extent possible, such items should be delivered at their residence or place where they have been quarantined.
- The district authorities may consider reserving specific opening hours in provision stores for persons with disabilities and older persons to facilitate easy access of their daily requirements.
- The district authorities may consider reserving specific opening hours in provision stores for persons with disabilities and older persons to facilitate easy access of their daily requirements
- It further asked that additional measures should be taken for persons with disabilities based on their impairment/disability who need to be given travel pass as well as personal safety and protection during the emergency period
- Hospitals providing services related to COVID-19 are to be made completely accessible, while ensuring that PwDs are not discriminated against.
- It further directed that the district administrations consider involving local churches and disability sector organisations to gather information of persons with disabilities in their areas/localities and to give assistance where needed.
