PANJIM: The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has urged the State government to make available sign language interpreter at Independence Day programmes.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, DRAG president Avelino de Sa said that Section 3 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 mandates equal opportunity and non discrimination of persons with disability and Section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 mandates that communication should be in accessible format for persons with disability.
In view of the above de Sa has requested the government to ensure that the Independence Day programmes of the governor and the chief minister addressing the State on the eve of Independence day and the Independence Day parade should have sign language interpreter as per the above mandate since there are over 3000 deaf persons in Goa.
According to de Sa, last year the State government had complied with the above for the Independence Day programmes and has urged the government to ensure that in future there will be a sign language interpreter for all official functions of the governor and the chief minister as mandated as above.
Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to the governor, chief minister and the State Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Government of Goa.
DRAG demands sign language interpreter at I-Day programmes
