DIMAPUR:
Nagaland’s state commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), on April 2, said that lack of awareness in society has created a taboo on disability.
Lamenting that misconceptions and negative perceptions about disability still exist in the state, Diethono Nakhro, while addressing a programme to observe World Autism Awareness Day at Jo Foundation Inclusive School, Kohima, said, “Stigmas surrounding autism can be removed if proper awareness is created but at the same time, awareness alone is not enough as ‘autism acceptancy’ is the key.
Daniel Thong Solo, chairman of the school, said autism is a disorder that hampers communication and social skills and hence, early intervention is essential for providing them a better quality of life.
The school is looking after 34 children with autism, down syndrome, intellectual learning disability, speech and hearing impaired, locomotor disability and dwarfism.
“Disability has been neglected not only by the government but also by the society. Fortunately, there are improvements taking place, and conversations on disability in various sectors are now visible,” Nakhro added.