Panjim: The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) on Tuesday lamented about how several people with disabilities are unable to get benefits under various State and Central schemes due to the lack of certification to around 11 disabilities, by the State govt.
DRAG President Avelino de Sa was speaking during the International Day of Disability celebrated by the Caritas Goa. He explained that though there are 21 certified disabilities, in Goa so far only ten have got the certification, while the rest are yet to get the same. “Hence, several people with those non- certified disabilities are unable to get the benefits of various schemes. They are not getting benefits of welfare schemes, employment, education, etc,” he added.
He further said that though the government talks about inclusive education, facilitation of teachers and resource persons for students with disabilities but that the same is not happening in a time bound manner.
De Sa also raised concern about lack of accessibility to people with disabilities in government offices, market complexes, public transport, daily services, etc.
During the event, senior pediatrician Ira Almeida spoke about the type of disabilities and how it should be dealt with. A special calendar was also launched.
