Nagaland government has launched the Disability Research, Empowerment, and Accessibility Mission (DREAM Nagaland), an initiative aimed at addressing systemic barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and advancing inclusive skill development across the state.
Led by the directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, DREAM Nagaland seeks to bridge the gap between existing training programs and the actual needs of PwDs, ensuring that skill-building aligns with job market demands and self-employment opportunities.
NagaEd, an education and training solutions provider, is supporting the initiative as a research and implementation partner. DREAM Nagaland is designed as a platform to amplify the voices of PwDs across all 16 districts through structured surveys and interviews.
These efforts will provide valuable insights into challenges related to employment, education, and entrepreneurship, informing policy decisions and inclusive skill training programs.
Savio Visa, director of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, emphasized the significance of targeted skilling initiatives, mentioning that, “Skills are the foundation of opportunity. When we invest in the right training, we don’t just change lives—we strengthen entire communities.”
Despite various national and state-level schemes, access to education, employment, and support services remains limited for PwDs in Nagaland, especially in rural areas. DREAM Nagaland aims to bridge these gaps by collecting firsthand data and identifying barriers to existing government programs. The findings will be used to refine policy implementation and improve outreach efforts.
Kevisato Sanyu, founder of NagaEd, called for broader participation in the initiative.
The initiative brings together government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and individuals with lived experiences of disability. Findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report and discussed in stakeholder consultations, ensuring actionable reforms.
Vikengunu Fatima Kera, president of the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), highlighted the mission’s core values, and said, “Inclusion is not about pulling others in, but about removing barriers that keep them out.”