the goan I network
MARGAO
Ahead of the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IPPD), NGO Sangath has made a fervent plea to the Goa government to conduct a fresh survey to ascertain the population of disabled persons in the State, and implement the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 with focus on inclusive education.
In fact, Sangath Project Head, Percy Cardozo said a fresh survey to find out the exact number of disabled persons in Goa is all the more necessary since the last survey was carried out during the 2011 census when the disabled persons were governed under the 1995 Act. “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has added more persons under the disabilities list. Accordingly, the number of persons identified as per the last survey will go up if one applies the yardstick laid down in the new Act,” Percy said.
She underlined the need to conduct the survey immediate since the general census will start only in 2021. Around 33,000 were identified as disabled persons in Goa in the last census 2011.
Sangath has stressed on the need for early interventions to detect persons with disabilities, especially in the rural areas. She said the government should start centres for early detection of the disabled or utilise the primary health centres and community health centres to identify the disabled.
Stressing on inclusive education for the disabled, Percy said inclusive education should be implemented by the government in a holistic manner. Pointing out that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act has laid stress on inclusive education for the disabled, Percy said parents should be sensitised by the government to dispel the myth that the behaviour of their children will change if their wards study together with the disabled. “Parents should understand that disability is not an infectious disease. Many parents have misunderstood the concept of inclusive education,” she said, adding that inclusive education should help the disabled to pursue higher education and secure employment.
Meanwhile, Sangath in association with Colorcon Asia Pvt Ltd, Verna will promote art by special children to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IPPD) this year by organising an art exhibition cum sale at the Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Majorda, from December 11-13.
Art works made by over 50 special children from various schools across Goa will be on display during the three-day exhibition cum sale. The proceeds of the sale will go to the respective schools and individuals.
“The theme for this year passed by the United Nations is “Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership; taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda”, adding that the theme is keeping in line with the passing of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 11 am to 7 pm on all the three days.
