By Ngaugongbe Hega, President, Differently Abled People’s Organisation (DAPO), Peren

Across Nagaland, thousands of people live every day with disabilities—navigating a world that often overlooks their needs, limits their opportunities, and excludes their voices from key decisions. As an organisation working closely with the disability community, we see the gaps every day: in schools, workplaces, healthcare centres, and public spaces.

Despite the intent of many well-meaning policies, we are still far from building a system that truly includes Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The truth is, we can’t fix what we don’t fully understand. And that’s why the DREAM Nagaland initiative is so important.

Launched by the Government of Nagaland and supported by partners like NagaEd, the DREAM (Disability Research, Empowerment and Accessibility Mission) campaign is conducting a statewide survey to gather real stories, real data, and real needs directly from PwDs and their caregivers. This research will inform future policy decisions, training programs, and support services that reflect what our communities actually need—not just what we assume they do.

As part of the NGO network supporting this initiative, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when someone feels seen and heard—many for the first time. People have shared their dreams of starting small businesses, of going back to school, of finding jobs where they are valued. Parents have spoken of the exhaustion of caregiving without support, and the worry of what will happen to their children when they’re gone. These are not just stories—they are a roadmap for action.

But for this roadmap to be complete, we need more voices. That’s where you come in.

If you are a person with a disability, a caregiver, a teacher, or someone who works with the community—we urge you to take 10–15 minutes to fill out the survey. Your input will shape the next generation of inclusive policy in Nagaland.

📢 Take the survey here: https://www.dreamnagaland.com/

This is not just a form. It’s a platform. A way to say: “This is what I need. This is how you can support me.”

Let us work together to build a Nagaland where disability is not seen as limitation, but as part of the diverse strength of our communities. Inclusion starts with listening—and change starts with you.

About the Author:
Ngaugongbe Hega is the President of the Differently Abled People’s Organisation (DAPO), Peren. Differently Abled People’s Organisation (DAPO) is a Disability Rights-based district organisation working for the welfare of persons with disability in Peren. The organisation is run and managed by Disabled People and voluntary in nature. It provides services to the PwDs and advocates for Disability Rights and Welfare.