the goan I network
PANAJI
A group of like-minded people came together on Friday with the view of getting authorities to implement the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPD) Act, 2016. Since the Act came into force, implementation in the state has been lacking. The group came together with the view to create a common platform for persons with disabilities to depend on for help, as well as share their problems and concerns.
The need for a formal and official group arose, as people working in the disability sector felt that individually knocking on the door of authorities for help had borne no fruits.
The group, which includes former disability commissioner Anuradha Joshi, and manager of Disha School for Special Children Sandhya Kalokhe amongst others, want to make a positive difference in the disability sector in Goa.
The group, which is voluntary and which intends to meet on a monthly basis, wants to take up one or two issues that need attention
per time.
The group intends to be an umbrella organisation for all 21 disabilities recognised under the RPD Act 2016. The most common disabilities that affect people in Goa are autism, hearing and visual impairment. As per the 2011 Census, 33,000 people in the state were known to have some disability.
However, the number is not accurate since parents often hide minor disabilities that their children may have due to social stigma and fear of affecting marriage prospects. The group also wishes to highlight and take up this aspect
of society.
