Diethono Nakhro, Commissioner, Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland speaking at the sensitization programme at Bumblebee Inclusive school on May 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 25
A sensitization programme on Inclusion - creating support system and bridging the gap for children with special abilities was organized by Bumblebee Inclusive School, Kohima on May 25.
Speaking on ‘Disability and Inclusion’, Commissioner, Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland Diethono Nakhro maintained that 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.”
In the state of Nagaland, nothing was done for the rights and entitlement of disabled people in general for a long time.
The Right of person with disabilities act was passed in 2016 and enforced in 2017, however was not only until last year, the act was enforced in Nagaland. Stating that lack of accessibility is at the core of inclusion, she also called for holistic implementation of the act.
Lack of participation in community life, churches and condensing attitude in our society towards persons with disabilities are some concerns she implored upon. The state commissioner also noted that normalizing disability in a bigger need rather than taking it as something to be cured or healed. Towards this, she shared that she can do more with her disability rather than without it.
Neikule Doulo, Master Franchisee, ALOHA Mental Arithmetic, Nagaland while sharing her experiences and journey as a parent with special need said that although she tried to fix everything for her child in the beginning, she has endeavored a journey of acceptance. She pointed the need to make the child independent as much and possible while also “enabling the child to reach the potential the child can.”
She also added that it is imperative to teach other children not to ill-treat children of special need and encourage peer-to-peer interaction and relationship.
Themmungla Raman, Clinical Psychologist spoke on "Psychological and emotional understanding of a child with special needs.” At the juncture, she called the imperative need for having both developmental and school psychologists. Over the years of her practice, she observed that the development of children starts from the family system and that early intervention for children with special needs is the most effective and helpful for the child, parents and society per se.
A top-down approach to removing stigma as she cited also helps in building stronger self-esteem of those with special needs who are susceptive to depression or mental health issues.
Special educator, Kopele Tepa and headmistress of the school while giving the introduction said that the objective of the school, looks at inclusion of every child in every sphere, making sure the children are not secluded but brought to learn in the mainstream setting while also giving children the care of letting them learn and perform in their pace.
Vikhor Tepa, Proprietor pronounced the vote of thanks.
