A DREAM Nagaland team member interacts with Imlisunep, a young Naga painter with disabilities, during a field research visit to his residence. (Photo Courtesy: NagaED)
Project moves into analysis and report development phase
KOHIMA, MAY 22 (MExN): The field research phase of the DREAM Nagaland (Disability Research, Empowerment and Accessibility Mission) initiative has been successfully completed, covering all 17 districts of the state.
This milestone marks the completion of community-based data collection and storytelling efforts across all 17 districts of Nagaland, capturing the voices, needs, and lived realities of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and their caregivers, a press release issued by NagaED stated on Thursday.
Launched by the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in collaboration with NagaEd, the project aims to inform inclusive policy frameworks through community-based data collection focused on Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and their caregivers.
Over the past few weeks, NagaEd and its partner organisations—Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), Prodigals’ Home, Differently Abled People's Organization Peren, and Mokokchung District Disabled Forum—engaged with hundreds of individuals across rural and urban areas. The teams conducted surveys, listening sessions, and gathered data to support disability-inclusive development in the state.
“This phase of the project has been a powerful reminder that real inclusion begins with listening,” said Aonok Aier, Senior Project Manager at NagaEd.
With the field research now complete, the initiative has now entered the data analysis and report development phase, to be carried out in collaboration with the Directorate and other stakeholders. The final report will present both quantitative data and qualitative insights, offering recommendations for inclusive services, education, infrastructure, and caregiver support systems.
“This is more than just a report. It’s a blueprint for change,” said Kevisato Sanyü, Founder of NagaEd.
The DREAM team extended gratitude to all partners, local leaders, enumerators, and especially the PwDs and caregivers who participated in the research.
