Workshop on mainstreaming learners with specific needs held

DIMAPUR — The ChangeInkk Foundation, in collaboration with the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) under the Directorate of Employment Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (DESDE), conducted a workshop on March 15 at DESDE, Kohima.

According to a press release, the workshop explored the theme ‘Inclusion for innovation: mainstreaming persons with specific learning disabilities’.

Vitozonu Natso, programme associate for the ChangeInkk Foundation, was the resource person, leading an in-depth examination of specific learning disabilities (SLD) while also advocating for inclusivity and diversity in learning.

Participants gained insights into the nuances of SLD, with a particular focus on dyslexic thinking, and were introduced to inclusive teaching methods designed to accommodate diverse learning styles.

At the heart of the discussion was the significance of fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, acknowledging the unique backgrounds and abilities of learners, particularly those with SLD, and recognising that SLD is often an invisible disability. 

There was a concerted emphasis on the importance of creating barrier-free environments, particularly within employment settings, to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

The workshop concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to prioritise inclusivity in their policies and practices, recognising the immense value that diversity brings to the innovation landscape.

The workshop convened about 40 trainees and seven trainers.