The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with The St. Regis Goa Resort and Inclusion Consultant Elrin Fernandes, successfully launched the Disability-Inclusive Internship Program—an initiative aimed at providing structured, meaningful internship opportunities for 11 and more young adults with disabilities across Goa.
The culmination ceremony was graced by Taha Haziq, Secretary – Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Tatu Kudalkar, Headmaster – Sanjay
Centre for Special Education; Satish Kumar, General Manager – The St. Regis Goa Resort; Dorin Mascarenhas, Human Resources Manager – The St. Regis Goa Resort; Amit Malhotra, Hotel Manager – The St. Regis Goa Resort and Elrin Fernandes, Inclusion Consultant.
This pioneering initiative began with early intervention—partnering with Sanjay Centre and local NGOs to identify eligible students with disabilities up to 18 months prior to their graduation. More than 30 hours of customised workshops, mock interviews, and hands-on
vocational training equipped the participants to confidently navigate the workplace.
Designed through rigorous fieldwork, the program was co-created with community input
and led by Inclusion Consultant Elrin Fernandes, whose close coordination with families, NGOs, CSOs, Panchayats, and schools ensured the program remained grounded in Goa’s unique socio-cultural context. The model now stands as a replicable framework for industry-wide inclusive employment
Speaking on the successful completion of the first Disability-Inclusive Internship Program
at St. Regis Goa Resort, Taha Haziq said “This program is aligned with the vision of the RPwD Act and serves as a testament to how proactive, people-first leadership within the hospitality industry can open real, dignified employment pathways. This program also represents a significant step towards dismantling long-standing barriers to employment for persons with disabilities in Goa. By embedding inclusion into the DNA of a world-class hospitality brand like The St. Regis Goa Resort, we are demonstrating that accessibility and excellence can—and must—go hand in hand. We hope this initiative becomes a benchmark for inclusive employment practices across industries in the state.”
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Satish Kumar stated “As a resort known for bespoke experiences, we see inclusion as more than a policy—it’s a way of being. Whether we’re welcoming a guest or onboarding an intern, our intent is the same: to extend respect, warmth, and opportunity. This program reaffirms our belief that when hospitality is inclusive, everyone benefits.”
A key component of the program is its focus on empowering women with disabilities. At least 40% of all internship slots were reserved for women, with gender-responsive outreach, recruitment, and support strategies built into the core framework—offering not only career opportunities but also visibility, dignity, and voice in a traditionally
underrepresented sector.
Recognising that inclusion begins at home, the program actively engaged over 50 families through guided facility tours, interactive Q&A sessions and participatory interviews—addressing fears and building trust. Led by Dorin Mascarenhas this groundwork ensured that parental involvement became a pillar of the initiative’s success.
In parallel, 100% of resort staff underwent structured disability-sensitivity training, including hands-on role-play and scenario-based learning, to foster an inclusive workplace culture at every level.
The St. Regis Goa Resort, through this initiative, not only furthers its commitment to nurturing diverse talent but also sets a new benchmark for inclusive luxury hospitality in India, states a press release.
