Goemakrponn desk
Panaji: It is of utmost importance that persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwIDDs) are given opportunities to secure job positions that enable them to support themselves, be independent and overcome vulnerabilities, according to Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa.
Pawaskar made this statement during the ‘Inclusive Endeavour’ event at the Museum of Goa (MOG), Pilerne, held recently in celebration of World Autism Awareness.
The Office of State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, EnAble India and the Goa State Centre have collaborated with MOG to inform people about the importance of equipping PwIDDs with soft and technical skills to avail of job opportunities in the state, thereby integrating them into society as fully functional individuals.
“Through this collaboration between the Office of State Commission for People with Disabilities, EnAble India and the Museum of Goa, the ‘Inclusive Endeavour’ initiative illuminates the path towards a more inclusive society, where every individual’s voice and perspective are heard and celebrated. By uniting diverse stakeholders in Goa, the ‘Inclusive Endeavour’ initiative becomes a beacon of empowerment, fostering understanding, empathy and action,” said Pawaskar.
Sharada Kerkar, operational head of MOG and co-founder of the Children’s Art Studio, Pilerne, is thrilled to have MOG become a platform for inclusive discussions.
“Persons with disabilities, one of the most vulnerable communities, require a space where they can share their challenges and needs. Many PwIDDs have intersectional challenges, as they may also lack the financial resources to aid themselves, and MOG offers a platform where such discussions can take place,” said Kerkar.
Kerkar further stated that MOG, as a public museum dedicated to contemporary art, sustainability and Goan culture, will implement accessibility aids like audio tools, ramps and more to kickstart the ‘Inclusive Endeavour’ initiative’s effort to make tourism spaces accessible.
The ‘Inclusive Endeavour’ initiative kickstarted with a full-day event at MOG to promote awareness of inclusivity in the economic space, with 30-plus individuals with disabilities and their parents from Goa sharing success stories of working in various industries with Guruprasad Pawaskar and Taha Haaziq, the Commissioner and Secretary of the Office of State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, respectively.
Elrin Fernandes of EnAble India, a not-for-profit organisation that works towards empowering persons with disabilities in India, who oversaw the event, stated, “United in advocacy and partnership, we’re shaping a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can flourish. From ‘ArtWORK’ to ‘Crafting Inclusion,’ our initiatives empower individuals with disabilities, creating jobs and a culture of inclusion and empowerment.”
Issues faced by the parents of PwIDDs were also brought to the notice of the authorities to formulate solutions and enable PwIDDs to achieve their work goals by implementing an inclusive and accessible occupational model.
“The ‘Inclusive Endeavour’ initiative is extremely timely, as I want my child to be able to support herself financially throughout her life, with whatever resources and opportunities can be provided by us as parents and the government,” stated Corina Mascarenhas, mother of a student who recently completed her schooling at Sanjay School for Special Education Centre, Porvorim and is in search of a job.
Other stakeholders present at the event were two-time National Award Winner and sound designer Baylon Fonseca; founder member & secretary of TIES Elizabeth Kurian; managing trustee of Yash Charitable Trust and co-founder of Cafe Arpan in Juhu Dr Sushama Nagarkar; clinical psychologist Mariah Lobo; art curator Samira Sheth; HR Manager at The St. Regis Goa Resort, Cavelossim Dorin Mascarenhas; learning and development manager at Taj Fort Aguada Resorts and Spa Asma Jamadar; and director and founding team member of The Owl House Renuka Figueiredo.
