Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 15 (NPN): Calling for safer roads, accessible footpaths and greater public awareness, Prodigals’ Home, in collaboration with Tikvah Training Centre and Sign Reach Bilingual Ministry, organised a Disability Awareness and Sensitisation Programme to commemorate White Cane Safety Day at the Conference Hall of the Traffic Control Office, Dimapur, on Thursday.
Held under the theme “Small Actions, Big Inclusion”, the programme highlighted the everyday challenges faced by persons with visual impairment and emphasised that responsible road use, consideration and respect for individual independence could help create a more inclusive society.
Addressing the programme, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Dimapur, Zubenthung Lotha, underscored the shared responsibility of police, motorists, institutions and the public in ensuring safer public spaces for persons with disabilities. He urged motorists to exercise patience, slow down near pedestrians with visual impairment, allow them sufficient time to cross roads and keep pathways free from obstructions. He also stressed the importance of offering assistance respectfully rather than assuming what an individual needs.
During the experience-sharing session, Chingdang and Initoli, both persons with visual impairment, shared their daily challenges and called for greater public understanding and improved accessibility.
Chingdang highlighted instances of persons with disabilities being taken advantage of and the difficulties they encounter while navigating roads. He also drew attention to accessibility concerns and called for better traffic monitoring to ensure safer movement.
Initoli spoke about the greater public awareness she had observed in metropolitan cities, where people were more familiar with the white cane and often offered assistance with care and respect. She stressed the need to promote similar awareness and consideration in public spaces across Nagaland.
Speaking on social and communication etiquette, special educator from Sign Reach Bilingual Ministry, Mhasivino Khale, said meaningful inclusion began with everyday interactions and thoughtful actions. She urged people to ask before offering assistance, speak directly to persons with disabilities, respect their personal space and independence, provide clear directions and avoid hurtful language.
Khale also called for unobstructed footpaths, proper parking practices and responsible use of zebra crossings, noting that seemingly minor acts of negligence could create serious barriers for persons with visual impairment.
In her welcome address, director of Prodigals’ Home, K. Ela, said the programme marked the first time White Cane Safety Day was being commemorated in Nagaland.
The programme also featured a practical demonstration and a short roadside visit to highlight the difficulties faced by persons with visual impairment while navigating traffic and public spaces.
The organisers emphasised that inclusion did not always require major interventions, but could begin with simple actions such as keeping footpaths clear, giving way to pedestrians, offering assistance respectfully and ensuring public spaces remained accessible to all.
Coordinator of LIC HFL SARTHAK, Prodigals’ Home, Yangerjungla, moderated the programme, while founder-director of Sign Reach Bilingual Ministry, Temsurenla, served as the sign language interpreter. Omekali, missionary to persons with disabilities, offered the invocation, while Kewimadanlule, missionary to persons with disabilities, pronounced the benediction.