‘See Us’: Kohima seminar calls for inclusion of learning disabled

KOHIMA — A seminar themed ‘Do You See Me?’ held at the Sumi Baptist Church in Kohima on Thursday shed light on the social and systemic invisibility faced by persons with learning disabilities (PwDs).

The seminar was jointly organised by the LAPIYE Centre for Mental Well-being, the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, and the Department of Children Education, Sumi Baptist Church Kohima, as part of Learning Disabilities Awareness Week.

Bodeno S Colo, Secretary of Social Welfare and State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the seminar’s theme as both a question and a challenge that urges society not just to notice those with learning disabilities but also to engage with them with empathy.

“Because of a lack of awareness, these disabilities are frequently misunderstood, underestimated or entirely overlooked,” she noted, adding that many individuals struggle in silence, leading to school dropouts and undiagnosed mental health issues.

Colo acknowledged the role of families, caregivers, and educators, emphasising that their contributions are seen and valued. Addressing religious leaders and Sunday school teachers, she described inclusion as a “sacred responsibility,” stating that churches must reflect the compassion and acceptance that Jesus extended to all.

She also conveyed to the children with learning disabilities, that their courage, creativity, questions, and their quiet strength are seen.

Colo challenged the community to not just talk about inclusion but actually build inclusive spaces—schools, homes, and churches—where every child can learn and be valued. She further called for creating environments that support early identification, compassionate intervention, and long-term inclusion.

Former State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Diethono Nakhro described the seminar’s theme as “deeply powerful,” noting that invisibility is a reality many PwDs experience daily.

“We live in a world that often values only what it can see and measure. If you don’t fit the visible norms of what society considers ‘productive’ or ‘normal,’ you risk being ignored, misunderstood, or left behind. And that is the reality that disabled people live with; every day they exist, but their lives don’t seem to matter,” she added.

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Nakhro cited multiple reasons for the ongoing invisibility of PwDs, including social stigma, poor data collection, inaccessible environments, and education and employment gaps. She also emphasised the challenges faced by individuals with ‘invisible disabilities’ such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, mental health conditions, or chronic pain, who are frequently misunderstood due to the absence of visible signs.

“Visibility is about more than being seen with eyes. It is about recognition, dignity, and agency. To truly see someone means listening and not assuming, asking and not deciding for them. It means creating spaces where everyone — visible or invisible, verbal or nonverbal, mobile or immobile — can show up fully and be heard,” Nakhro asserted.

She called on institutions, especially churches, to play a larger role in disability inclusion by offering support services, respite care, early intervention programmes, and peer support groups. “The church needs to step up to play this role in a much stronger way, to make the invisible visible,” she added.

She went on to say that churches are capable of providing respite care service and provide temporary relief for caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

“When you look after someone who’s profoundly disabled or seriously sick, it’s a 24-hour job. That’s stressful work and moreover, it doesn’t give a caregiver any time to themselves or to do anything else. Everyone needs a break from time to time to look after your own needs, take care of their business, and so on. That’s where respite care can help,” she explained.

Churches can also provide early intervention programmes, counselling services/peer support groups/skill development and employment programmes, she said, urging the churches to step up and give support and rehabilitation services for the disabled community and their families.

Lovitoli Awomi, counselling psychologist and founder of LAPIYE Centre for Mental Well-being, provided an overview of learning disabilities and how they can impact communication, emotional regulation, and academic progress. She noted that approximately 40% of people globally are affected by some form of learning disability.

The seminar also featured Ashe Kiba, Programme Coordinator in the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, who spoke on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and its implications for education and equal opportunities.