Nagaland | 22nd May 2025
DIMAPUR — The DREAM Nagaland (Disability Research, Empowerment and Accessibility Mission) initiative has successfully concluded its statewide field research phase. The milestone marked the completion of community-based data collection and storytelling efforts across all 17 districts of Nagaland, capturing the voices, needs and lived realities of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and their caregivers.
Launched by the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with NagaEd, DREAM Nagaland set out with the goal of building inclusive policy frameworks grounded in evidence and experience.
An update from DREAM Nagaland stated that over the past few weeks, NagaEd with its partner organizations namely Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), Prodigals’ Home, Differently Abled People’s Organisation Peren and Mokokchung District Disabled Forum have connected with hundreds of individuals in both rural and urban communities across 17 districts—conducting surveys, holding listening sessions and gathering critical data to inform the next generation of disability-inclusive development programs in the state.
“This phase of the project has been a powerful reminder that real inclusion begins with listening. We are grateful to every person who shared their story and trusted us with their truth,” said Aonok Aier, senior project manager at NagaEd.
With the completion of field research, it stated that the DREAM initiative would now be focused on data analysis and report development phase. The work would be conducted in close collaboration with the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and various other partner organisations.
The final report would present both quantitative findings and qualitative insights gathered from communities, offering practical recommendations for disability-inclusive services, infrastructure, education, livelihood programs and support systems for caregivers.
“This is more than just a report. It’s a blueprint for change. We look forward to reviewing the findings and ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are at the centre of every decision moving forward,” said Kevisato Sanyü, founder of NagaEd.
Meanwhile, the DREAM project team has expressed gratitude to all partner organisations, enumerators, local leaders and most importantly the PwDs and caregivers for making the campaign possible.
