Goemkarponn desk
Panaji: The Office of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Transport Department, Government of Goa, recently conducted a sensitization program aimed at educating driving schools and the medical board on the capabilities of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) who are qualified to drive.
The sensitization sessions were conducted at two locations namely the Secretariat in North Goa and the Gujarati Samaj School in South Goa. Among the officials in attendance were Taha Haziq, Secretary of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Nancy Fernandes, Deputy Director of Administration, along with Prasad Joshi, Vishant Nagvenkar, Mahadev Sawant and Sign Language Interpreter Josephina Fernandes. Representing the Directorate of Transport, Bhalchandra A. Sawant, Additional Director of Transport for North Goa, participated in the North Goa session, while Sandeep Dessai, Additional Director of Transport for South Goa, attended the session in South Goa.
They addressed critical topics, such as best practices for accommodating PwD drivers, potential challenges they may face, and strategies to overcome these obstacles. The program also emphasized the vital role that the medical board and driving schools play in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for PwDs throughout the driving process.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, highlighted the program’s significance in promoting inclusivity “As we strive to empower and include Persons with Disabilities in all aspects of society, it is essential for the public to develop a deeper understanding and empathy towards PwD drivers. This sensitization program, conducted through two focused sessions, is a step towards achieving that goal,” said Pawaskar.
The need for such workshops cannot be overstated, As Goa continues to champion the rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is crucial to ensure that key stakeholders, such as driving schools and the medical board, are equipped with the knowledge and sensitivity required to support PwDs effectively. These workshops serve as a platform to bridge gaps in understanding, fostering a more inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of ability, have equal access to opportunities, including the freedom and independence that come with driving. Continued efforts in this direction will help pave the way for a more empathetic and inclusive Goa.
