Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chaired its first joint meeting with organisations and special schools working for children with disabilities with the Commission taking up the initiative to understand the gaps in current child protection systems in connection with the subject as well as those working in this field.
The Commission through a press statement informed that all critical issues such as low-quality aids and appliances, training on sexual and reproductive health for caregivers and teachers, delay in assessments of disabilities and issuance of certificates, resource rooms and inclusive education, absence of Indian sign language interpretation for children with impaired speech and hearing, access to social security schemes, infrastructure, housing and care giving and need for institutional facilities were discussed.
Apart participation from the organisations and special schools, the meeting had representatives from the government-run hospitals and education department.
“The physical, social, structural and attitudinal barriers prevent children with disabilities from participating equally in the socio-cultural and economic activities. A barrier-free environment facilitates equal participation in all the activities and promotes an independent and dignified way of life,” said Chairman Peter F Borges.
In recent years, Goa has made significant strides in recognising disability as a human rights issue. “We need to seize the moment – and this meeting provides an opportunity to discuss how we can invigorate our efforts by investing more in children with disabilities and effectively implement laws, policies and programmes that can create greater opportunities for all children,” statement quoting Borges reads.
