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Prof. Buno Liegise speaking during the training programme on ‘Rehabilitation of persons with disabilities’ at NU, Kohima on October 5.[/caption]
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 5: Dean of School of Humanities & Education and Campus In-charge, Prof. Buno Liegise, recommended Nagaland University to introduce a separate full-fledged department in the uyniversity - ‘Department of Disabilities Studies’, besides engaging in research projects on all categories of disabilities in the state and suggest policy measures and program of actions to improve conditions for these children and persons. She also suggested on inclusive education at B.Ed, M.Ed level and MA Education, which were already existing.
She was speaking as the chief guest, at the orientation training on ‘Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities’ at Nagaland University, Kohima Campus Meriema under the aegis of Department of English on October 5. The programme was organised by Ali Yavar National Institute for Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD), Mumbai.
Prof. Buno Liegise, said though Naga society does not treat the disabled persons with cruelty, it neither understands their rights to live as common people. Fear of stigma by parents, she said, is obstructing the intellectual and mental development of the child, even as their physical needs are taken care of properly.
Stating that even educational institutions were not disabled friendly in the past years, she however maintained with the implementation of central schemes such as SSA, RMSA and Right to Education, schools have been opening doors for inclusive education.
Emphasizing on the need for activation of the State Coordination Committee for Disabilities, she opined that NU should play a major role by creating awareness, designing courses for teachers taking care of children and to conduct research works and integrated education for disabilities.
The Academician has also suggested holding interface programs with community and tribal leaders to disseminate information and knowledge on rehabilitation avenues, welfare schemes and legal provisions etc.
She further challenged everyone to step out of the comfort zone and try to help children with special abilities to grow together. Meanwhile, she also informed that NU has introduced course on disability studies in MA 4th semester, which is open to even those pursuing other studies.
In his address as the guest of honour, Dean of School of Social Sciences, Prof. N. Venuh while pointing out that Naga society is not much aware of the social rights of the children with disabilities, he however expressed hope that such training programme would help in creating better understanding among the people.
Stating that every individual have their own special ability, he called upon the people to have a positive attitude towards the disabled persons. ‘It is should be a collective responsibility to treat them equally, he said while calling upon all to work together to help them in the interest of the society, instead of isolating the disabled’ he added.
In his keynote address, Faculty of AYJNISHD-ERC Kolkata, Indranil Chatterjee said the term ‘handicap’ is social stigma and discrimination and therefore it is advisable to call them persons with disability.
The inaugural programme was chaired by director of Women Studies Centre, NU, Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu, and the programme commenced with welcome address by Head of Department of English, NU, Prof. Nigamananda Das.
During the plenary session, presentations were made on ‘Concept of Hearing Impairment’ and recent initiatives in Cochlear Implant under ADIP vis-a-vis Role of AYJNISHD in Manpower Development in the field of Speech & Hearing Disabilities – Indranil Chatterjee; Educational options for persons with Hearing Disabilities & Scope of Special Education in enhancing educational opportunities for the persons with hearing disabilities” – Lecturer Special Education, AYJNISHD, Saikat Das and Reaching the services to the unreached – welfare schemes & legal provisions for persons with disabilities – Social Welfare Officer, ERC Kolkata, Dr. P. Mazumdar.