Make events PwD-accessible, collectors told | Goa News – Times of India

Panaji: Stating that several public programmes being held in the state are not accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs), the office of the state commissioner for persons with disabilities has called on the district collectors to ensure necessary infrastructure is made available to PwDs at such events.
The commission has asked the collectors to issue directions to ensure all public events have accessible ramps to individuals with mobility impairments, clear and prominent signage indicating the layout of the venue, direction and accessible features, allocated parking spaces for PwDs, sign language interpreters for those with hearing disabilities, accessible toilets equipped with grab bars, and other necessary features.
“These accessibility measures are crucial for creating an inclusive environment where everyone can participate equally in public events,” the commission stated.
“It has come to our notice that numerous public programmes fall short of accessibility standards. They often lack the necessary arrangements outlined in Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, creating hardships and discrimination against PwDs and elderly individuals ,” the office of the state commissioner for persons with disabilities wrote to both district collectors.