Goa takes a major stride toward accessible public infrastructure with the launch of the ‘Freedom from Physical Inaccessibility’ campaign.
On the sidelines of a State-Level Advocacy Programme on Deafblindness, the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) and Caritas Goa launched the Freedom from Physical Inaccessibility campaign on August 14th, 2025. The highlight of the event was the official launch of the YES TO ACCESS mobile application — a digital tool empowering citizens to rate the accessibility of public places across Goa.
The app was unveiled by Ms. Varsha Naik, Director, Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Government of Goa. The launch marks a significant moment for accessibility advocacy in the state, putting power directly into the hands of the people — both disabled and able-bodied — to assess and demand accessible infrastructure.
“Accessibility is not just a right, it’s a necessity for an inclusive society,” said Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG.
The YES TO ACCESS app is available on the Google Play Store and allows anyone to:
- Conduct access audits of public and private establishments.
- Rate facilities based on accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
- View ratings to decide whether a place meets accessibility standards before visiting.
- Drive social accountability for establishments to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Under the RPWD Act, it’s mandatory for all public spaces — including private establishments — to ensure accessibility, yet implementation remains inconsistent. This app serves as a grassroots-level enforcement tool.
Also present at the launch were:
- Ms. Shruti Singh, Sense International
- Ms. Mriselda Monteiro, Deputy Director, DEPwD Goa
- Fr. Maverick Fernandes, Director, Caritas Goa
The event signals a major push toward inclusive development in Goa and sets a precedent for civic-driven accessibility movements in India.
📲 Download the YES TO ACCESS app today and be a part of the change.
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