- Young Deaf leaders from around 10 Asian countries are taking part in the camp
- The camp runs from 5 to 9 October, with a closing ceremony on 9 October
- Minister Subhash Phal Dessai urged young Deaf people to shape policies affecting them
- Four regional conferences and meetings follow on 10 and 11 October
- An Inclusive Run from Miramar Circle on 11 October offers 3 km, 5 km and 7 km categories
Young Deaf leaders from around 10 Asian countries have gathered in Goa for the 12th WFDRSA Youth Camp, inaugurated on 5 October 2026.
Five days of leadership and networking
The camp brings together young Deaf participants for five days of leadership, learning, cultural exchange and networking. It runs from 5 to 9 October, and the closing ceremony is on 9 October.
Activities focus on leadership, advocacy, communication, cultural exchange, networking and knowledge sharing. Participants come from India, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Bhutan, Nepal, the Philippines, Mongolia and Laos.
The Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, are organising the camp. They are working with the All India Federation of the Deaf and the Goa Association of the Deaf.
Minister urges Deaf youth to shape policy
Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Subhash Phal Dessai, the chief guest, told participants that young people are leaders of today, not only tomorrow. He asked them to share experiences, build friendships across borders and return home with new ideas.
He said persons with disabilities must take an active part in the policies and decisions that affect their lives. He also pointed to Goa’s Purple Fest as an example of bringing disabled people, government and the wider community together.
State Commissioner Guruprasad Pawaskar welcomed the participants. He called the camp a platform for learning, friendship and new possibilities. He said sign language, education, employment and accessibility are important for young Deaf people.
Regional meetings and inclusive run
The camp is part of wider Deaf Asia regional events in Goa, running from 5 to 11 October 2026. On 10 and 11 October, four major meetings will be held:
- 38th WFDRSA Representative Meeting
- 15th WFDRSA Youth Section Representative Meeting
- 1st WFDRSA Women Section Representative Meeting
- WASLI Asia Conference
These sessions will cover Deaf leadership, youth and women’s participation, sign language, interpreter training and cooperation among Deaf organisations across Asia.
On 11 October, an Inclusive Run will start from Miramar Circle in the morning. It has 3 km, 5 km and 7 km categories and is held with the Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal. The valedictory and closing programme will be held at Lok Bhavan the same day.
