A place for those with none: Special children’s parents take it to society

Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 30

Although we are living in a fast-paced progress and development society, persons with disabilities still face discrimination and barriers in one way or the other that restrict them from participating in society on an equal basis with others every day. We are still very ignorant and unaware of the rights, policies, schemes and program that are made and available for PWD. This is generally due to lack of awareness among the general populace which alienates PWD from functioning normally for their day-to-day activities in our society, which leads to identity crisis and poor self esteem among people with special needs.
In a noble venture with an objective to create awareness among the populace as well as PWD, the Nagaland Parents’ Association for Disabled (NAPAD) in collaboration with Department of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Social Welfare, District Administration Kohima and sponsored by Hornbill Balls Tourism Department has organised three days medical camp cum health mela for Person With Disabilities (PWD) from September 28 to 30 at Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima. The Association has conducted a similar programme in 2013.
During the three days camp a total number of 250 people with disabilities turned up for treatment from in and around Kohima district.
According to NAPAD president, Christina Mor, the mela is organised mainly to identify genuine PWD who are above 40% to issue certificates and identity cards to help them avail various schemes and facilities provided by the government, NGOs and others. She also said the certificate and identity card will help a person with diasbility to avail the jobs that are reserved for the persons with disability. PWD were treated and disability certified by the doctors and identity cards issued by the Social Welfare Department who were also present on the spot.
She also said a similar programme has been conducted in the year 2013. However, she expressed her happiness that this year programme saw good response and cooperation from the parents and the public as well.
She also said the Association in its effort is trying to bridge the gap between PWD and the government and other concerned agencies, wherein many PWD and their parents are still unaware of the facilities provided to them.
Dr Tali, Advisor NAPAD said the program was organized only through personal commitment of some committed parents, and donations from well wishers. He said there has been tremendous positive response and support from the parents.
He is also happy that many individuals, NGOs, organizations are realizing on the need to create awareness and rising to the occasion and lending support in their own ways.
Meanwhile it has also been reported that despite the clear directive from Deputy Commissioner Kohima to the village authority to sponsor the fare of those coming to the fair for treatment, some blatantly refused to do so saying that they are not receiving any aids or funds from the government, except the parents of PWD. Some of the parents at the camp have expressed their wish for more of this kind of program in the future.
Meanwhile, NAPAD has thanked all those who have extended help and support towards the successful conduct of the program.