The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, in collaboration with *The Hans Foundation (THF), organised a hearing device distribution programme under the *Cochlear Implant Programme today at the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Porvorim, Goa.
As part of the initiative, two children from North Goa were provided with *N7SE Sound Processors, valued at **Rs. 4,67,750/- per unit, amounting to a total of *Rs. 9,35,500/-. The devices are intended to help the children hear sounds more clearly, improve their listening and communication abilities, and support their participation in schooling and everyday activities.
The beneficiaries who received the devices are:
- Aayush Kalpesh Bicholkar, from Revora, Bardez, North Goa.
- Swapnil Subodh Parab, from Virmora, Pernem, North Goa.
The new sound processors are being provided as replacements for the earlier devices issued to the beneficiaries, which were not functioning in proper condition. Recognising the importance of uninterrupted access to hearing support, the initiative ensures that the children continue to receive the necessary assistance to strengthen their hearing and communication abilities.
The devices were formally handed over by Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa; Mrs. Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Shri Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; and Shri Shrikant Pednekar, Deputy Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
The programme was also attended by Shri Bijendra Khatri, Senior Project Coordinator, The Hans Foundation (THF).
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, stated, “Access to appropriate assistive technology is essential in ensuring that children with hearing disabilities can communicate effectively and participate equally in educational and social activities. Providing these replacement devices is an important step towards ensuring continuity of hearing support. Our endeavour is to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to the resources and opportunities they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives.”
Mrs. Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, emphasised the importance of timely access to assistive devices and stated, “For children with hearing disabilities, the right hearing support can significantly influence their learning, communication and overall development. Through initiatives such as this, we aim to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive appropriate assistive technology and that their specific requirements are addressed. We remain committed to strengthening support systems that enable children with disabilities to pursue their education and participate confidently in everyday life.”
The distribution programme highlights the continued efforts of the Government of Goa towards improving access to assistive technology and ensuring the welfare and empowerment of persons with disabilities. The partnership with The Hans Foundation further reinforces the commitment to addressing the individual needs of beneficiaries and promoting an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to learn, communicate and reach their full potential.
Through such initiatives, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities reaffirm their commitment to advancing the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Goa.