Disability Research, Empowerment and Accessibility Mission (DREAM Nagaland), an initiative aimed to understand the gap between existing training and the real needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to ensure that skill building efforts align with job market demands, has announced the completion of its pilot phase in Kohima district. A press note from the research and implementation partner NagaEd on May 9 stated that completing the pilot marks a key milestone in the state’s efforts to build inclusive skill development and employment pathways for PwDs.

Conducted in collaboration with NagaEd and community partners including Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), the pilot gathered firsthand stories and survey data from individuals with disabilities, caregivers, educators, and community leaders across Kohima.

The findings, as per NagaEd, offer a snapshot of both the challenges and aspirations of PwDs in Nagaland.

“We’re hearing directly from people whose voices are rarely part of the planning process. That’s what makes DREAM different—it starts with listening,” stated Aonok Aier, Senior Project Manager at NagaEd.

The education company listed the key insights from the pilot as:

• Limited awareness: Many PwDs and their families are unaware of existing government schemes or how to access them.

• Skills mismatch: Most respondents expressed a desire to work but lacked access to training aligned with their interests or local job markets.

• Barriers to mobility and access: Physical infrastructure and transportation challenges continue to limit participation in education and employment.

• Strong desire for independence: Many PwDs voiced aspirations for financial self-reliance through meaningful work, entrepreneurship, or vocational training.

The release said these early findings are informing the design of the statewide survey, now live at www.dreamnagaland.com.

Further, in a call to action, the DREAM Nagaland team is inviting PwDs, caregivers, and educators across the 17 districts of Nagaland to take part in its landmark survey. The data gathered will directly inform future government policy, training programs, and support systems.

“This is an opportunity for every person with a disability—and those who support them —to help build a better, more inclusive future. We need your voice to guide us,” stated K Ela, director Prodigals’ Home, Dimapur.

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In the coming weeks, the DREAM team informed that it will be expanding data collection across rural and urban areas, hosting community meetings and stakeholder consultations, and collaborate with local organisations to ensure accessibility and reach.

The final findings will contribute to a comprehensive report and policy recommendations for the Government of Nagaland, aimed at increasing employment, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion for PwDs across the state.

The partner organisations who are working collaboratively on data collection and the districts each organisation is covering are:

• Kohima – Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF): Kohima, Kiphire, Zunheboto, Longleng, Phek, Wokha, Tseminyu, Noklak, Mon, Tuensang, Shamator, Meluri
• Prodigals’ Home – Dimapur, Chumukedima, Niuland
• Mokokchung District Disabled Forum – Mokokchung
• Differently Abled People’s Organization Peren – Peren