In India, disability is defined by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. A person with a disability has a long-term impairment affecting their physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory abilities. This impairment hinders their full participation in society. The Act categorises disabilities into four main groups –
- Behavioural or emotional disorders
- Sensory impairments
- Physical disabilities
- Developmental disabilities
Status of Disability in India
Disability prevalence in India varies across reports. The World Bank estimates that 5–8% of the population has disabilities. The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) reports a figure of 2.2%. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21) indicates that 4.52% of the population is disabled.
Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities in India encounter numerous challenges:
Limited Awareness
Awareness about available government schemes is low. This issue is more pronounced in rural areas, where information is not easily accessible.
Lack of Accessibility
Public infrastructure is often not designed for people with disabilities. Schools, hospitals, and transport systems lack necessary accommodations. This limits their mobility and access to essential services.
Educational and Employment Barriers
Access to education and job opportunities is restricted. Many educational institutions do not cater to the needs of disabled students. Vocational training centres are also scarce.
Exclusion from Developmental Schemes
Some developmental initiatives do not consider the needs of persons with disabilities. For example, vaccination campaigns may lack necessary accessibility features like ramps or sign language interpreters.
Perception and Stigma
Societal views often regard persons with disabilities as objects of charity. This perception encourages stigma and discrimination, affecting their social inclusion and decision-making roles.
Agricultural Dependence
Many disabled individuals in rural areas rely on agriculture. They are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, which threaten their livelihoods and health.
Lack of Legal Support
Although India ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016, implementation remains a challenge. Many are unaware of their rights.
Initiatives for Empowerment
Several initiatives exist to empower persons with disabilities in India:
The Spark Project
The Spark Project is a collaboration between the International Labour Organization and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. It trains Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs) to promote awareness about disability inclusion in communities.
Unique Disability Identification Portal
This portal aims to streamline the identification process for persons with disabilities, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Accessible India Campaign
This initiative seeks to enhance accessibility in public spaces, making them more user-friendly for persons with disabilities.
DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme
This scheme provides financial assistance for rehabilitation and support services for disabled individuals.
National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities
It offers financial support to students with disabilities for higher education.
Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities (UDID) Card
The UDID card aims to provide a single-window facility for availing benefits and services for disabled persons.
Measures to Improve Conditions
To enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities, several measures can be implemented:
Enhancing Employment Opportunities
Creating job opportunities is essential. The government should enforce the 4% reservation for disabled individuals in government jobs. Private sectors should also promote inclusive hiring practices.
Improving Accessibility
Public places must be made accessible. This includes designing schools, hospitals, and transport systems with universal design principles. Facilities like ramps, lifts, and tactile paths should be standard.
Raising Awareness
Awareness campaigns are crucial. Initiatives should focus on educating the public about the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities. Media and educational institutions can help promote a positive image.
Strengthening Legal Framework
The legal framework for protecting disabled persons needs reinforcement. The government should allocate resources to welfare schemes and ensure effective implementation.
Capacity-Building at Grassroots Level
Community leaders should be trained to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. This will bridge the gap between policies and the people they aim to help.
