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Dr. Atha Vizol speaking at the fifth foundation day observation programme of the Nagaland Parents’ Association for the Disabled in Ura Hotel in Kohima town on Saturday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, MARCH 14
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]tate Commissioner for the Disabled, Dr. Atha Vizol today decried the misappropriation of funds meant for disabled children, by the School Education department. The department embezzled funds amounting to Rs.12,79,50,000, for which the state government has recently instituted a special investigation body to investigate the graft.Speaking at the fifth foundation day observation programme of the Nagaland Parents’ Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) in Ura Hotel in Kohima town on Saturday, the official expressed concern that there are many nongovernmental organizations claiming to be working for the welfare of persons with disabilities. In reality, he said, only a few were involved in the actual works.
He said that Nagas call themselves Christians but most of the people do not know much about the disabled community and their needs. Expressing concern that many still believe in myths associated with disabilities and in keeping PWDs confined to their homes, Dr. Atha underscored that there is serious need to conduct intensive awareness program at all levels, from schools to communities to church and decision making levels.
“We are living in an age where we are conscious of our outward appearances……. We are ashamed of the things we should not feel ashamed of, and we are not ashamed of the things we should be ashamed of,” he said. The official emphasized on the need for the people to learn more about PWDs and find out ways to extend support to them.
The official also stated that though there are government facilities and schemes that can be availed by persons with 40% disability, most people including parents and family members of PWDs are not aware of these facilities.
He apprised the gathering that the department is will be conducting health camps with medical specialists in different locations across the state to issue disability certificates, with which the social welfare department will issue ID cards for availing schemes.
Dr. Atha also highlighted that as per the 2011 census, there are more than 29,613 people with disability in Nagaland, but out of this, only 5000 PWDs have availed disability certificates.
He stressed that persons living with disabilities have the right to equal opportunities and right to participation and their participation has to be encouraged. He also expressed appreciation to the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. The church organization has set aside four days in their calendar as a time to spread for awareness about persons with disabilities, he said.
Members from NAPAD and Nagaland State Disability Forum also shared their views about how to take their work and activities forward for the welfare of people with disabilities, particularly in the rural areas.
The need to set up rehabilitation centers in the state and the revival of the now-defunct District Disability Rehabilitation Centre at Dimapur was also discussed during the event.
Dr. Atha Vizol speaking at the fifth foundation day observation programme of the Nagaland Parents’ Association for the Disabled in Ura Hotel in Kohima town on Saturday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, MARCH 14
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]tate Commissioner for the Disabled, Dr. Atha Vizol today decried the misappropriation of funds meant for disabled children, by the School Education department. The department embezzled funds amounting to Rs.12,79,50,000, for which the state government has recently instituted a special investigation body to investigate the graft.Speaking at the fifth foundation day observation programme of the Nagaland Parents’ Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) in Ura Hotel in Kohima town on Saturday, the official expressed concern that there are many nongovernmental organizations claiming to be working for the welfare of persons with disabilities. In reality, he said, only a few were involved in the actual works.
He said that Nagas call themselves Christians but most of the people do not know much about the disabled community and their needs. Expressing concern that many still believe in myths associated with disabilities and in keeping PWDs confined to their homes, Dr. Atha underscored that there is serious need to conduct intensive awareness program at all levels, from schools to communities to church and decision making levels.
“We are living in an age where we are conscious of our outward appearances……. We are ashamed of the things we should not feel ashamed of, and we are not ashamed of the things we should be ashamed of,” he said. The official emphasized on the need for the people to learn more about PWDs and find out ways to extend support to them.
The official also stated that though there are government facilities and schemes that can be availed by persons with 40% disability, most people including parents and family members of PWDs are not aware of these facilities.
He apprised the gathering that the department is will be conducting health camps with medical specialists in different locations across the state to issue disability certificates, with which the social welfare department will issue ID cards for availing schemes.
Dr. Atha also highlighted that as per the 2011 census, there are more than 29,613 people with disability in Nagaland, but out of this, only 5000 PWDs have availed disability certificates.
He stressed that persons living with disabilities have the right to equal opportunities and right to participation and their participation has to be encouraged. He also expressed appreciation to the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. The church organization has set aside four days in their calendar as a time to spread for awareness about persons with disabilities, he said.
Members from NAPAD and Nagaland State Disability Forum also shared their views about how to take their work and activities forward for the welfare of people with disabilities, particularly in the rural areas.
The need to set up rehabilitation centers in the state and the revival of the now-defunct District Disability Rehabilitation Centre at Dimapur was also discussed during the event.