The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland, conducted a Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Workshop for Airport/Airlines Staff and Security Personnel at Dimapur Airport on 14th July 2023.
The workshop aimed to equip all concerned with the knowledge necessary to understand the unique needs and challenges that people with disabilities may face when traveling while also promoting empathy, inclusivity, and respectful attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. Disability Commissioner Diethono Nakhro cited WHO data, which states that 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 people, live with a disability. She said that more and more individuals with disabilities are now traveling for various reasons, such as tourists, work, leisure, etc., adding that sensitization training is crucial because a lot of problems are faced by both travelers with disabilities and personnel at various sections simply because of the lack of awareness and understanding of disability needs.
When there is a better understanding, the entire process will be much smoother for everyone, she said. The workshop included sensitization on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, the different types of disabilities, the handling of assistive devices, and the dos and don’ts of interacting with travelers with disabilities. Some existing issues at Dimapur Airport, like the need for proper maintenance of accessible/priority washrooms as well as disability parking slots and disability drop-off and pick-up areas, were highlighted. Representatives from the CISF, Indigo, and Air India shared the challenges they faced while dealing with passengers with disabilities.
Geetha Sahu, APD AAI, welcomed all the participants to the workshop and appreciated the step being taken to create more disability awareness and sensitivity, which would help all staff provide better service and assistance to passengers with disabilities.
Paul P. Chasie, CASO ASG Dimapur, while delivering the vote of thanks, stated that such disability sensitization is much needed to ensure that passengers with disabilities have a positive experience while traveling, particularly in security screening procedures. He assured that the issues raised have been noted and expressed confidence that better awareness will enable all personnel and staff to provide the services and accommodations necessary to make traveling easier for passengers with disabilities.
The program was chaired by Yile Haikam of Indigo. President of the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) Kevingunu Fatima Kera was also present at the workshop.
(DIPR)
