NSRLM COO (Programmes) M Rollan Lotha, resource person Ruokuokhrienuo Vizotha and participants pose using Indian Sign Language during the training programme at the Rural Development Mini Conference Hall in Kohima on August 5.
Kohima, August 6 (MExN): The Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) has organised a two-day training programme on Indian Sign Language (ISL) for Immersion Site staff to strengthen disability inclusion and promote accessible service delivery in rural communities.
The training, organised under the Social Inclusion and Social Development (SISD) vertical, was held at the Rural Development Mini Conference Hall in Kohima on August 4 and 5. It aimed to enhance the visibility of inclusion efforts and strengthen community-level engagement with a special focus on persons with disabilities.
The sessions were facilitated by certified Indian Sign Language interpreter Ruokuokhrienuo Vizotha, who conducted practical and interactive training on the fundamentals of ISL.
The programme covered deaf awareness and deaf culture, the importance of inclusive communication, basic signs and vocabulary, greetings, numbers, sentence formation, facial expressions, non-verbal communication and everyday conversational skills.
The resource person highlighted the need to remove communication barriers to ensure equal participation and access to services for persons with disabilities. Participants were encouraged to continue practising sign language and integrate inclusive communication into their day-to-day responsibilities.
The training included demonstrations, role plays, group activities and practical exercises, enabling participants to gain confidence in using basic Indian Sign Language while improving their understanding of the communication needs of persons with hearing impairments.
Addressing the participants, NSRLM Chief Operating Officer (Programmes) M Rollan Lotha said it was important to create an ecosystem that accommodates persons with disabilities and enhances access to entitlements and basic rights.
He said the training was intended to strengthen the capacity of frontline functionaries to communicate effectively and promote inclusive, accessible and equitable service delivery across communities. He urged participants to carry these efforts to the grassroots level.
According to NSRLM, the programme forms part of its ongoing efforts under the SISD vertical to strengthen the capacities of Immersion Site staff. By equipping field functionaries with basic Indian Sign Language skills, the Mission aims to improve accessibility, promote meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and reinforce the principles of equality, dignity and inclusion in rural development initiatives.
The programme concluded with participants expressing appreciation for the practical nature of the training and reaffirming their commitment to applying the knowledge and skills acquired in their work.
