Dimapur, May 27 (EMN): We are differently abled persons not disabled persons, asserted Ngaugongbe Hega, the president of Peren District Differently Abled Persons Organization (DAPO), while explaining the meaning of DAPO at the launching function of Peren District Differently Abled Persons Organisation, on May 25 at Jalukie Town Hall.
“All of us have different capabilities and we too have our special capabilities and we are not disabled. We are abled in our own way and we should not be compared with anyone else,” he stated.
Fifty two persons with disabilities, led by Ngaugongbe Hega, have formed themselves into DAPO in Peren district.
Speaking as the chief guest at the launching, Dr. Atha Vizol, Disability Commissioner Nagaland, appreciated the effort and encouraged more awareness on disability in society including political circles.
He said as per 2011 census there were 29,631 persons with disabilities in Nagaland, though many still may remain unidentified in rural areas. He rued that out of 29,631 listed in the 2011 census less than 10,000 persons have disability certificates. Dr. Atha also suggested more medical assessment camps through NGOs.
The Disability department is still functioning under Social welfare department as the Government has not been able to provide separate fund for the department, he said.
While highlighting various schemes for differently abled persons, he informed about government supported insurance for disabled persons, which any person with proper disability certificates could access.
Representatives from Concern Citizens Forum Peren district also attended the prograemme. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Chilak said working for persons with disabilities was a missionary work and praiseworthy. Concern Citizens Forum will always support such service at Peren district, he said.
The programme co-ordinator of the Project on Child Development under People in Need Foundation, Maisongwi, gave a brief report of the activities of the project. He reported that the project covers 28 villages in Jalukie Area, 271 persons with disabilities have been identified and 119 children with disabilities were attending various schools; 130 received medical assessment certificates; 70 received their Disability ID cards, 40 are under process, 25 children received aids and appliances. Parents association was formed on 3rd December 2015 and DAPO in 2016 World Disability Day.
Chairman of People in Need Foundation, Joe Ngamkhuchung said the launching of DAPO was connected with a larger exit strategy of the organisation.
He also informed that the current Jalukie Project, funded by Lilianne Foundation of Netherland through Jan Vikas Samiti of Banaras, is contracted for 8 years. Four years are nearing completion and the remaining four years will prepare DAPO and the parents association to take over the work.
