TLM camp for persons with intellectual disabilities

A Teaching Learning Material (TLM) distribution camp for persons with intellectual disabilities was organised by National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NEIPID) in collaboration with Government of Nagaland, Cherry Blossoms Society and the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) on March 24 at Old DC Bungalow Conference Hall, Kohima.

In the camp, Shilpa Manogna, from NIEPID, welcomed the idea of more schools being added for new programs under which they would try to provide computer assisted classrooms for the differently-able.  She also stressed on the importance of following the prescribed format on availing the benefits given by the central government to disabled people. 

Short speeches were delivered by NAPAD secretary, Kapochu-o Naleo and Purnima Kayina from Cherry Blossoms Society.

Purnima emphasized on the importance of TLM as it can benefit a person with slow learning capabilities and how it can make it easier for them to comprehend and thus making learning more knowledgeable and fun for them. 

She also urged for more programs like this to create more awareness and how interactions like these is important. 

The chief guest, additional secretary, Social Welfare, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, assured everyone present that there was no difference among people, whether able or differently able, since God created men in his image. 

He also enlightened the people present in the program that the Constitution of India itself lays much importance on Rights of Equality. Nyuthe said there are job reservations now for differently able persons by the Government of Nagaland (which has increased from three to now four reservations). 

Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rajesh Soudararajan, IAS, also appreciated the works being carried out by the different organizations for differently able people in Nagaland.  He gave his assurance to lend his support to encourage such programs in the region and added that more quarterly or bi-annual camps should be held to assist the differently able people.

The DC stressed on the need to create more awareness among the people on how to go about filling disability certificates with proper details to avail benefits from the government and different organizations helping in this matter. 

The programme led by chairperson Zalekhrulu Lohe , started with an invocation prayer by Pastor Neichüriazo Chücha, of Lerie Baptist Church, Kohima; welcome song by Cherry Blossoms School Children and vote of thanks by Atha Vizol, Commissioner Disability, Nagaland. TLM kits were distributed among the children.