Marking a new chapter for the ‘differently abled persons’ in the state, a new organisation by the nomenclature “Differently Abled Persons Organization” (DAPO) Peren District was launched in Jalukie on May 25 at Jalukie Town Hall.
Speaking at the launching programme, president of DAPO, Ngaugongbe Hega, remarked that “we are ‘differently abled persons’, not disabled persons,” adding we all have different capabilities and have our special capabilities.
We are not disabled, we are able in our own way and we should not be compared with anyone else, he added.
Fifty two persons with disabilities, led by Ngaugongbe Hega, have formed DAPO in Peren.
Chief guest of the occasion, Dr. Atha Vizol, disability commissioner Nagaland, appreciated the effort and encouraged more awareness on “disability” in the society including political circles.
He informed that as per 2011 census there were 29,631 persons with disabilities in Nagaland, though many still may have remained unidentified in rural areas.
Dr. Atha rued that out of 29,631 listed in the 2011 census less than 10,000 persons have disability certificates.
The disability department is still functioning under Social welfare department as the government had not been able to provide separate fund for the department, he said. While highlighting the various schemes for the differently abled persons, he informed about government supported insurance for disabled persons, which any person with proper disability certificates could access.
Speaking on behalf of the Concern Citizens Forum Peren District, Chilak noted that working for persons with disabilities was a missionary work and praiseworthy.
The Forum would always support such service at Peren district, he assured.
Maisongwi, programme coordinator, Project on Child Development under People in Need Foundation, gave a brief report of the activities of the project.
He reported that the project covers 28 villages in Jalukie Area where 271 persons with disabilities have been identified and 119 children with disabilities were attending various schools.
Altogether 130 received medical assessment certificates, 70 received their Disability ID cards, 40 were under process, 25 children received aids and appliances, he informed.
Joe Ngamkhuchung, chairman, People in Need Foundation, said that the launching of DAPO was connected with a larger exit strategy of his organization. The current Jalukie Project, funded by Lilianne Foundation of Netherland through Jan Vikas Samiti of Banaras, was contracted for 8 years. Four years are nearing completion and the remaining four years would prepare DAPO and the Parents association to take over the work, he informed.
Pousibo, vice president of DAPO chaired the session. Invocation was said by Associate Pastor Town Baptist Church, Khiukungliu, joint secretary Parents Association delivered the welcome address, vote of thanks by Sangdimbo, Parents Association.
Special numbers were presented by Mairiwiliu, Nengpinem and Lalbhoi and benediction by Hudin, Pastor Liangmai Baptist Church Samziuram.
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