DIMAPUR: With the objective to promote visibility of inclusion efforts and enhance community level presence especially focused on Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), under the Social Inclusion and Social Development (SISD) vertical organised training on Indian Sign Language (ISL) for Immersion Site staff at RD Mini Conference Hall, Kohima on August 4 and 5.
A press release by State Mission Management Unit (SMMU), NSRLM, stated that addressing participants COO (Programs) NSRLM M Rollan Lotha reminded about importance of creating an ecosystem that was accommodative and ensure enhancement of demands for entitlements and basic rights.
Stating that the training was aimed at strengthening capacity of frontline functionaries to communicate effectively and to promote inclusive, accessible and equitable service delivery across communities, he encouraged participants to consciously implement such efforts up to the grassroots.
The sessions were facilitated by certified Indian sign language interpreter, Ruokuokhrienuo Vizotha, who provided practical and interactive training on fundamentals of ISL.
Topics covered included deaf awareness and deaf culture, importance of inclusive communication, basic signs and vocabulary, greetings, numbers, sentence formation, facial expressions, non-verbal communication and everyday conversational skills.
The resource person also underscored importance of breaking communication barriers to ensure equal participation and access to services for Persons with Disabilities. She encouraged participants to continue practising sign language and to incorporate inclusive communication practices into their day-to-day responsibilities.
The participants actively engaged in demonstrations, role plays, group activities and practical exercises throughout the programme. The hands-on sessions also enabled participants to build confidence in using basic ISL and enhanced their understanding of the communication needs of persons with hearing impairments.
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.