Kohima, 16 September (MTNews): The office of the Nagaland State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with Bumblebee Inclusive School, Kohima and Shishu Sarothi Regional Center for Disability Studies and Action (SS-RRC-DSA), Guwahati, successfully conducted a Two-Day Training on Inclusive Education and Universal Design for Learning on 14 and 15 September 2023 at Hotel Japfü, Kohima.
The training covered discussions on the factors that hinder inclusion in the society and the solutions. The training especially stressed on the importance of accessibility for persons with disabilities, discussion and information dissemination to create awareness, non-discriminatory attitude towards persons with disabilities, and active participation in planning to improve the current situation of disabled people. Participants were also involved in creating Universal Design for Learning to assist teachers into making their classroom teaching more holistic and child centric.
Children with disabilities have long been ignored due to lack of trained professionals and the lack of awareness. Therefore, the training was aimed at equipping teachers and heads of schools towards Inclusive Education and the idea that any teacher can play a vital role towards inclusion. Inclusion is possible when one is willing to involve and engage persons with disabilities.
The Training programme had participants from Nagaland Board of School Education, Samagra Shiksha, DIET Chiechama, Sazolie College of Teacher Education, Nagaland University, The Vineyard School, Jo Foundation Inclusive School, Mt. Hermon Hr. Sec School, JGHS Viswema, GMS Viswema, GMS New Sectt Area, GMS Nagabazar, GMS Jakhama, GMS Bayavu, Jewel Pre School, Ministers’ Hill Baptist Hr. Sec School, Mt. Sinai Hr. Sec School, Alderville Hr. Sec. School, Vinyuzo Hr. Sec. School, Oking Christian School, Cherry Blossom School, Bumblebee Inclusive School, Coraggio School, and Northfield School. The training programme was attended by 45 trainees in total.
The 2-day training concluded with a short speech by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro, who lauded the participants and said their participation gives hope that Inclusive Education is possible with their partnership. She also stressed that Inclusive Education goes beyond mere compliance of a legal requirement, but is a moral imperative that recognises the value and potential of every individual. Participation Certificates were handed out to the participants and the vote of thanks was pronounced by Ms Kezhalenuo Savi.