A sensitization programme on inclusion-creating support system and bridging the gap for children with special needs (CWSN) was organized by Bumblebee Inclusive School, Kohima on May 25.
Commissioner of People with Disabilities (PwDs) Diethono Nakhro speaking on the topic “disability and inclusion” said lack of accessibility was at the core of inclusion, stating that despite the Right of Person with Disabilities Act passed in 2016 and enforced in 2017, the act was enforced in Nagaland only last year.
Calling for holistic implementation of the act, she lamented that nothing was done for the rights and entitlement of disabled people in the state of Nagaland. She also cited the lack of participation in community life, churches and condensing attitude in society towards persons with disabilities which needed to be implored upon.
She observed that that people with disabilities were the largest group of minorities in the world-the loneliest and poorest section with no ample opportunities of employment and inclusion.
Special educator, Kopele Tepa and headmistress of the special school while giving the introduction said that the objective of the school was to look at inclusion of every child in every sphere. This would ensure that children are not secluded but brought to learn in the mainstream while also giving children their own pace to learn and perform.
Neikule Doulo sharing her experiences and journey as a parent with special need pointed out that it was imperative to make the child independent as much as possible and to enable them to reach their potential. She also advised that other children should be encouraged not to ill-treat children with special needs for better peer-to-peer interaction and relationship.
Clinical psychologist, Themmungla Raman, spoke on “Psychological and emotional understanding of a child with special needs.” She said that the development of children started from the family system and that early intervention for children with special needs was the most effective and helpful for the child, parents and society.