The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPwD), Government of Goa, extended its support to an inclusive tourism initiative organised by 18NotOut (Jaiden Forever Foundation), a parent-led, Section 8 non-profit organisation based in Bengaluru that works towards empowering children with disabilities and their families through inclusive experiences.
As part of its ongoing efforts, 18NotOut organised a three-day inclusive trip to Goa from 19th to 21st January 2026, involving 15–20 families (around 30–40 participants), including persons with locomotor and visual disabilities, some of whom are wheelchair users. The visit aimed to promote social inclusion, recreation, and experiential learning while ensuring dignity, safety, and accessibility for all participants.
Considering the mobility and accessibility requirements of the group, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities requested the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) to provide accessible transportation. KTCL readily extended its support by deploying low-floor electric buses equipped with ramps, enabling safe, comfortable, and barrier-free travel for children with disabilities and their families throughout the itinerary.
The inclusive travel programme featured pick-ups from Vasco Railway Station and Mopa Airport, city and heritage tours covering churches, forts, and temples, beach visits with recreational and water-based activities, museum visits, a sunset cruise, a heritage walk through Fontainhas, and a visit to Chorao Island, with ferry onboarding support arranged to ensure accessibility.
As part of the preparatory and experiential engagement, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities also facilitated a trial experiential visit for children with disabilities and their parents. Participants took part in activities such as scuba diving, jet ski rides, and other accessible beach experiences, underscoring the importance of inclusive tourism infrastructure and coordinated, accessible services.
To further ensure the safety and well-being of the participants, standby medical support was also requested from the Old Goa Primary Health Centre to handle any medical emergencies during the trip.
Speaking on the initiative,Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, stated “Inclusive tourism is not just about access—it is about dignity, participation, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to experience joy, travel, and recreation like everyone else. This initiative demonstrates how thoughtful planning, accessible infrastructure, and inter-departmental coordination can create truly inclusive experiences. The Government of Goa remains committed to promoting accessible tourism and ensuring that our public services and destinations are welcoming to all.”
The initiative is aligned with the spirit and objectives of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and reflects the Government of Goa’s continued commitment to promoting accessible tourism, inclusive public spaces, and equal participation of persons with disabilities in social and recreational activities.
The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities places on record its appreciation for the cooperation extended by Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited and other stakeholders, and reiterates its commitment to working closely with civil society organisations to ensure that Goa continues to be an inclusive and welcoming destination for all.
