Some existing issues at Dimapur Airport, such as the need for proper maintenance of accessible/priority washrooms as well as disability parking slots and disability drop-off and pick-up areas, were highlighted at the Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Workshop for Airport/Airlines Staff and Security Personnel at Dimapur Airport on July 14. A DIPR report informed that workshop was organised by office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland.
The workshop aimed to equip all concerned with the knowledge necessary to understand the unique needs and challenges that people with disabilities may face when traveling while also promoting empathy, inclusivity, and respectful attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.
Disability Commissioner Diethono Nakhro in her address cited WHO data, which states that 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 people, live with a disability.
She said that more and more individuals with disabilities were traveling for various reasons, such as tourists, work, leisure, etc., and therefore sensitization training was crucial as a lot of problems were faced by both travelers with disabilities and personnel at various sections due to lack of awareness and understanding of disability needs.
The workshop included sensitization on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, the different types of disabilities, the handling of assistive devices, and the dos and don’ts of interacting with travelers with disabilities.
Representatives from the CISF, Indigo, and Air India also shared the challenges they faced while dealing with passengers with disabilities.
Geetha Sahu, APD AAI, welcomed all the participants to the workshop and appreciated the step being taken to create more disability awareness and sensitivity, which would help the staff provide better service and assistance to passengers with disabilities.
Paul P. Chasie, CASO ASG Dimapur, while delivering the vote of thanks, stated that such disability sensitization was needed to ensure that passengers with disabilities have a positive experience while traveling, particularly in security screening procedures.
He assured that the issues raised have been noted and expressed confidence that better awareness will enable all personnel and staff to provide the services and accommodations necessary to make traveling easier for passengers with disabilities.
The program was chaired by Yile Haikam of Indigo. President of the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) Kevingunu Fatima Kera also attended the workshop.