Dignitaries with others during the distribution camp for persons with disabilities in Kohima on July 31. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 31
A distribution camp for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) under the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) scheme brought smiles to many faces today, which was organized by the District Level Committee on Disability in collaboration with ALIMCO at Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) office complex, Kohima.
This camp was made possible by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).
Addressing the camp, Diethono Nakhro, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland said that assessment and distribution of assistive aids and devices is actually happening in Kohima after a long break.
“We need the Kohima District Disability Committee to be fully activated,” she said and look forward to working together with the district administration in this regard.
Thanking the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India and ALIMCO for the provision of those assistive aids, Nakhro said “Schemes such as these are of immense help to people with disabilities and we hope to see many more of these outreach programmes.”
Also commending the Nagaland State Disability Forum, she said “These young people with disabilities are the voice of the disabled community, strongly advocating for their rights through various programmes and activities across the state.”
She maintained that Assistive Aids and Devices/Assistive Technology enables people to live healthy, productive, independent, and dignified lives, and to participate in education, the labour market and civic life.
‘Aids are enablers of talents, passions, and potential’
“Whether it's a hearing aid, a wheelchair, a screen reader, or any other assistive tool, these devices open doors to independence, communication, and mobility,” Nakhro said.
However, she said, sadly many people who live with disabilities, both children and adults, do not have access to such aids and technology.
The reasons for this are many, but one most important issue is the cost of assistive products.
“And without access to appropriate assistive aids and devices, many remain excluded, isolated, and locked into poverty,” She said and stressed that there is a great need for schemes that provide assistance to disabled people to purchase needed assistive products from the state govt as well.
These aids are not merely tools; they are enablers of talents, passions, and potential, she said.
“I hope we can continue to work together to build a world where everyone can thrive and everyone gets a fair chance to succeed,” Nakhro added.
Kohima deputy commissioner Kumar Ramnikant, emphasized the importance of making society more accessible.
He stated that equality cannot be achieved without accessibility, and this camp represents a small but significant step towards creating a more inclusive society.
He urged the community to be more aware of the needs of persons with disabilities.
The programme chaired by Moasunep K. Jingru, EAC (Development) while Vikengungu Fatima Kera, President, Nagaland State Disabilities Forum invoked God’s blessings.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Ashe Kiba.
