The Disability Research, Empowerment and Accessibility Mission (DREAM Nagaland), a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, has been launched to systematically address the long-standing barriers encountered by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Nagaland. This pioneering mission aims to establish a foundation for inclusive and data-driven skill development and employment programs across the state.
DREAM Nagaland is strategically designed to thoroughly understand the existing gap between current training programs and the actual needs and aspirations of PwDs. By meticulously analysing these disparities, the initiative seeks to ensure that future skill-building efforts are directly aligned with the demands of the job market and viable self-employment opportunities, ultimately fostering economic independence.
NagaEd, a recognized expert in education and inclusive training solutions, is actively supporting the Directorate as the key research and implementation partner for this crucial mission, according to a recent update from the organization.
At its core, DREAM Nagaland functions as a vital platform for amplifying the voices of person with disabilities across all 16 districts of Nagaland. Through carefully structured surveys and in-depth interviews, the project will gather invaluable firsthand insights into the multifaceted barriers that Person With Disabilities, face in obtaining employment, quality education, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The rich data collected will directly inform the development of truly inclusive skill training programs and evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at fostering genuine economic inclusion for this often-ignored segment of the population.
“Skills are the foundation of opportunity. When we invest in the right training, we don’t just change lives—we strengthen entire communities,” emphasized Savio Visa, Director of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to creating impactful and inclusive skilling initiatives through DREAM Nagaland.
Despite the existence of various national and state-level schemes intended to support person with disabilities, access to essential resources such as education, meaningful employment, and comprehensive support services in Nagaland remains significantly limited, particularly in the rural and geographically remote communities.
DREAM Nagaland directly confronts these accessibility gaps by prioritizing the collection of firsthand experiences and perspectives directly from person with disabilities through systematic surveys and interviews spanning all 16 districts of the state. By meticulously identifying the shortcomings in the reach and effectiveness of existing government programs, the initiative will also formulate targeted recommendations to enhance policy implementation, improve outreach strategies, and ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
“We need people from all walks of life to participate in this survey to ensure that research leads to real impact. This is about creating opportunities for every individual to thrive. If you have a disability, care for someone who does, or have a friend who is disabled, please take part in this groundbreaking survey,” urged Kevisato Sanyü, Founder of NagaEd, emphasizing the critical need for broad participation to ensure the initiative’s success.
DREAM Nagaland is built upon a powerfull collaborative model, actively bringing together various government departments, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), influential community leaders, and individuals with lived experience of disability. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are integrated throughout the project lifecycle. The mission will culminate in the creation of a comprehensive research report, meaningful stakeholder consultations, and impactful policy dialogues to ensure that the gathered findings are rigorously validated and effectively translated into actionable and sustainable reforms.
Vikengunu Fatima Kera, President of the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), eloquently articulated the vision behind the initiative, stating, “Inclusion is not about pulling others in, it’s about removing what keeps them out. DREAM is for ‘Safety’, ‘Accessibility’, ‘Belonging’, ‘Impact’, ‘Visibility’, ‘Innovation’, ‘Growth’, ‘Community’.” This powerful acronym encapsulates the core principles driving DREAM Nagaland.
This pioneering initiative directly aligns with the Government of Nagaland’s embracing goal of fostering equity, upholding dignity, and ensuring meaningful economic participation for all its citizens, with a strong emphasis on including those who have historically faced exclusion from mainstream skill development opportunities.
The press release dwell on the unwavering commitment of the Government of Nagaland to ensuring that the unique skills, inherent talents, and invaluable contributions of person with disabilities are fully recognized and valued. DREAM Nagaland stands as a crucial and significant step towards building a stronger, more inclusive, and equitable workforce within the state, where every individual is empowered with the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the community.
Your Voice Matters: Participate in the DREAM Nagaland Survey Today!
“If you are a Person with a Disability or a caregiver, your experiences can help shape a more inclusive future for Nagaland. Help us understand your challenges, needs, and aspirations by taking part in the DREAM Nagaland survey.”
Fill out the survey here.
By participating in the DREAM Nagaland survey, you will directly contribute to shaping a more accessible, equitable, and empowering future for Persons with Disabilities in Nagaland. Your valuable insights will be instrumental in driving meaningful change and fostering a truly inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.