Team Herald
MARGAO: George Abraham, founding Chairman of the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) said, “Every child has something to offer. Empathise the children with disabilities and empower them with knowledge skills and rights.
Delivering his keynote address to the gathering which comprised of special children at International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration at Margao, he said the ecosystem should be disabled friendly and enterprise has to be looked upon by and for the disabled”.
The theme was “Moving Towards Inclusive and Resilient Society”. The programme was jointly organised by the Director of Social Welfare, NGO Sangath and Colorcon Asia Pvt Ltd. Minister for Social Welfare Pandurang Madkaikar, Social Welfare Director S V Naik, State Commissioner of Disability Rights Commission Anuradha Joshi, Percy Cardozo of Sangath, George Abraham, Rajesh Parab and others were present.
“Goa is the second state in India to pass the Disabilities Rights Act; the speakers said adding that the onus of providing the facilities now lies with the Government.”
“Inclusive education, skill development and employment will come only if steps are taken in this direction,” said Anuradha Joshi.
Minister for Social Welfare Pandurang Madkaikar said, “There are Over 33,000 people with disabilities in Goa and it is a challenge for us.
There are several obstacles at education and Government level and the Act has been designed looking at the earlier deficiencies. The department has already sent a proposal for a separate Deputy Director for the Disability Rights, he added.
