The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has initiated its pioneering initiative ofGoa State Centreinpartnership with Enable Indiawith an aim of “Inclusive Endeavour” to empower Neurodiversity through Art, Advocacy and Entrepreneurship. This pathway program is dedicated to fostering an inclusive society, empowering persons with disabilities, and creating an enabling environment for all.
The “Inclusive Endeavour“ initiative focuses on meeting three overarching objectives such as:
Awareness and Sensitization: Through strategic partnerships with the Goa State Centre and stakeholders, including the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the initiative aims to raise awareness and promote sensitivity towards neurodiversity within society.
Accessibility of Public Spaces: Collaborating with institutions like the Museum of Goa and accessibility consultant Abhijit Murugar, the initiative seeks to enhance accessibility tourism initiatives, ensuring that public spaces are inclusive and accessible to all.
Empowerment Through Employment: By unlocking employment opportunities and equipping Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PwIDD’s) with industry-relevant skills, the initiative also aims to foster self-advocacy and promote inclusivity in the workforce.
The initiation of “Inclusive Endeavour” coincides with April Autism Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. This initiative is a testament to the Goa State Centre Program’s commitment to social responsibility and its dedication to making a positive impact in the community.
State Commissioner for PwDs, Guruprasad Pawaskar emphasises:“Through our ‘Inclusive Endeavour’ program initiative in collaboration with the Goa State Centre, we are dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities by providing comprehensive training in both technical and soft skills essential for employment in the F&B sector. By offering internship opportunities, including placements at renowned establishments we aim to bridge the gap between training and real-world experience. Our commitment to promoting inclusion ensures that persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not only welcomed but celebrated as valuable contributors to the workforce and society at large.”
The initiation event on Saturday April 27, 10 am onwards at the Museum of Goa will feature a series of engaging sessions along with partners such as:
Film Screening – “The Long Road – Chapter One” (11:00 am – 12:00 pm) which is a documentary championing individual with IDD and advocating for inclusivity within society.Baylon Fonseca – Supervising Sound Editor / Sound Designer / Educator, supports the endeavour by raising awareness and advocating for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and acceptance within society.
Engaging Parent Collective – “Empowering Parents Collective: Nurturing Neurodiversity”(Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm). The workshop aims to empower parents to play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and inclusion of PwIDD’s. Arch Elizabeth Kurian, Founder member & Secretary, TIES – Towards Inclusion Everywhere in Society, spearheading the “Day Programme” in 2024. Her dedication to inclusivity aligns with the Inclusive Endeavour, empowering neurodiverse individuals. Dr. Sushama Nagarkar, Managing Trustee Yash Charitable Trust and Co-Founder of CafeArpan, shares this commitment, championing skilling and employment initiatives within a person-centred framework. Together, they foster an inclusive society where all individuals thrive.
Panel Discussion – “ArtWORK: Empowering Autism Through Self-Advocacy and Livelihood” (Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm). A discussion exploring strategies for empowering neurodiverse individuals through art, advocacy and entrepreneurship with a particular emphasis on promoting inclusivity and empowerment within the autism community. In the panel discussion Renuka Figueiredo-Co-Founder of The Owl House & Executive Business Consultant, Dr. Sushama Nagarkar – Managing Trustee Yash Charitable Trust and Co-Founder of Cafe Arpan, Samira Seth – Art Consultant, Curator, Writer, Asma Jamadar – Learning & Development Manager, Taj Aguada Resorts and Spa and Dorin Mascarenhas- Human Manager at St. Regis Goa Resorts will discuss practical approaches and initiatives for promoting inclusivity and empowerment within the autism community
The “Inclusive Endeavour”initiative aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities, and Partnerships for the Goals. In addition to the initiation of “Inclusive Endeavour,” the Goa State Centre Program is proud to announce its collaboration with Amcho Posro, a collaborative initiative aimed at empowering persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwIDD) through skill development and employment opportunities in the food and beverage (F&B) sector.
Amcho Posro, also meaning “Our Workshop”, is a collaborative initiative between Office of Goa State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Yash Charitable Trust (YCT), St. Regis and EnAble India. This initiative aims to empower persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwIDD) through skill development and employment opportunities in the F&B sector.
