Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) is an organisation that was established 19 years ago by people with disability for people with disability. The main objective of DRAG is to bring people with disability into mainstream society, promoting inclusivity.
Addressing the speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Avelino de Sa, the president of DRAG, expressed strong objection to statements made by some ministers that were misleading, providing false information on disability matters.
Minister of Tourism Rohan Khaunte is said to have stated that 24 beaches in Goa are accessible for persons with a disability when in reality only one beach is accessible.
The statement made by Minister for Transport Mauvin Godinho that 63 Kadamba buses are accessible for persons with a disability is untrue as well. Only 20 buses are accessible.
The Mental Health Act, 2017, has not been implemented in the state of Goa as stated by Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phaldessai. In reality, the act is not in force as the rules are not yet notified.
Avelino de Sa went on to say, “These false and irresponsible statements by the ministers in the august house on sensitive matters of persons with disability have hurt the sentiments of persons with disability in Goa as many people with disability in Goa cannot get out of their houses for education or employment due to lack of accessibility in Goa, and it has brought a bad name to the state.”
He added, “Hence we demand strong action against the ministers for misleading the house with false information.”
The president of DRAG also said that strong objection was taken to the use of the words “handicapped” or “differently abled” by members of the Goa Legislative Assembly while referring to persons with disability. The said words are derogatory and were banned by the Goa State Government in 2016.
“We demand that the said words be deleted from the proceedings of the house and the members be warned against the use of such words while referring to persons with disability,” said Avelino de Sa.
The president of DRAG did take the opportunity to appreciate the fact that the assembly complex had been made accessible for persons with disability and requested an accessible washroom as well.