State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPwD) in collaboration with International Purple Fest 2024; on Thursday announced a ground-breaking development aimed at transforming the transportation landscape in the state for ‘Persons with Disabilities.’ Thanks to the impactful feedback received during the festival, the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities is set to launch wheel chair-accessible transport areas across Goa, benefitting persons with disabilities, senior citizens who are wheelchair-users and the entire community.
The inspiration for this transformative venture emerged from International Purple Fest 2024’s commitment to inclusivity and the first-hand experiences of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) who actively participated in the event. The festival showcased wheelchair e-rickshaws and the valuable insights gathered have played a pivotal role in shaping a pioneering scheme that addresses mobility barriers and promotes independence for PwDs who are wheelchair-users.
The initiative focuses on introducing specially designed e-accessible-rickshaws, providing seamless transportation services tailored for PwDs.
Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities states: “What sets this endeavour apart is its dedication to empowering the community it serves. The upcoming proposed scheme actively invites Persons with Disabilities to participate and enrol, turning it into a self-sustaining ecosystem. By allowing PwDs to become operators of these e-accessible-rickshaws, the initiative aligns with the vision of creating a service for and by the community, going beyond transportation to emphasise independence, dignity and create livelihood opportunities ”.
The primary goal is to ensure the widespread availability of these specialised services throughout Goa, meeting the unique transportation needs of Persons with Disabilities who are wheelchair users.This initiative not only enhances accessibility but also transforms the lives of those who actively engage in this groundbreaking scheme.
As SCPwD embarks on this journey towards inclusivity, SCPwD eagerly anticipate the enthusiastic participation of Persons with Disabilities in making this initiative a symbol of empowerment and progress.
For those Persons with Disabilities aspiring to engage in livelihood opportunities, SCPwD encourage them to reach out to the State Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities at 915 6321900.
