The Disability Research, Empowerment and Accessibility Mission (DREAM) Nagaland initiative has concluded its state wide field research phase, marking a milestone in the completion of community-based data collection and storytelling efforts across all 17 districts of the state, capturing voices, needs, and lived realities of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and their caregivers.
A press release issued by NagaEd informed that launched by Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in collaboration with NagaEd, DREAM set out with the goal of building inclusive policy frameworks grounded in evidence and experience.
Over the past few weeks, NagaEd with its partner organisations, Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), Prodigals’ Home, Differently Abled People’s Organization Peren, and Mokokchung District Disabled Forum, have connected with hundreds of individuals in both rural and urban communities across 17 districts, conducting surveys, holding listening sessions, and gathering critical data to inform the next generation of disability-inclusive development programmes in the state.
“This phase of the project has been a powerful reminder that real inclusion begins with listening. We are grateful to every person who shared their story and trusted us with their truth,” said Senior Project Manager, NagaEd, Aonok Aier.
The release added that with field research now complete, DREAM initiative is transitioning into data analysis and report development phase, which would be conducted in close collaboration with Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and various other partner organisations.
The final report will present both quantitative findings and qualitative insights gathered from communities, offering practical recommendations for disability-inclusive services, infrastructure, education, livelihood programmes, and support systems for caregivers.
The DREAM project team further extended sincere gratitude to all partner organisations, enumerators, local leaders, and most importantly, the PwDs and caregivers who made this campaign possible.
DREAM Nagaland field research concludes across all 17 districts
