DIFFERENTLY-ABLED CITIZENS

Published on 30 Jan 2025

Differently-Abled citizens are those people which have physical, intellectual or developmental speciality which makes them different from the rest of the society. As per 2011 census, at all India level differently-abled citizens constitute 2.21% and 7.62% of the disabled persons belong to the age group 0-6 years.

Challenges faced by Differently-abled people in India

Discrimination: They often encounter social stigma and discrimination, leading to exclusion and isolation, thus affecting their mental health.

Example: Based on a paper published in National Institute of Health, social isolation has been experienced by 4.5% of normal people, while it was 7.1% for differently-abled persons.

Healthcare challenges: Limited access to healthcare and services that cater to the specific needs of differently-abled persons and lack of awareness among healthcare professionals about their requirements.
Limited accessibility: Public spaces, transportation and buildings often lack proper infrastructure for accessibility for physically disabled making it difficult for them to move around independently.

Example: A report by the Centre for Research and Planning in 2023 revealed that less than 50% district courts have ramps and 25.2% have wheelchairs.

Inadequate education qualification: Many differently-abled persons in India face barriers to accessing quality education due to a lack of inclusive infrastructure, trained teachers and appropriate learning materials.

Example: Based on the 2019 UNESCO report, 27% of differently-abled children have never attended any educational institution.

Limited employment opportunities: They often encounter challenges in securing employment due to prejudiced attitudes, lack of accessibility in workplaces and a general lack of awareness among employers about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Example: As per latest workforce data released by Nifty 50 companies in 2023, only 5 of the Nifty50 companies have more than 1% differently-abled persons on their rolls.

Financial constraints: Differently-abled may face economic challenges as they may have higher medical expenses and may find it difficult to secure employment or advance in their career.

Example: According to NFHS-5, around 15% of Indians are multidimensionally poor, but this is around 41% for differently-abled in India.

Violence towards differently-abled women: The disability makes a woman more vulnerable to violence, as they find it difficult to resist an attack, defend themselves and to file cases.

Example: Based on a report by Women Enabled International, are at least two to three times more likely than women without disabilities to experience gender-based violence in various spheres.

Features of Rights of Person with Disability Act, 2016

Increased scope: The types of disabilities have been increased from 7 to 21 including physical, intellectual disability, blood disorder, chronic neurological conditions etc. The central government will have the power to add more types of disabilities.
Free education: All children with benchmark disabilities between 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education.
Reservation: The act increased the reservation for people with benchmark disabilities from 3% to 4% in government jobs and from 3% to 5% in higher education institutes.
Responsibility: The act lays responsibility on the appropriate governments to take measures and ensure that PWDs enjoy rights.
Accessibility: Stress has been given to ensure accessibility for the physical environment, transportation, information and communications etc.
Funding: A separate National and State Fund has been created to provide financial support to persons with disabilities.

Government initiatives to empower Differently-Abled citizens

Accessible India Campaign: Aims to make public spaces, transport and information and communication technologies accessible to differently-abled persons and also focuses on improving infrastructure to ensure barrier free access.
National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (NAP- SDP): This initiative focuses on enhancing the employability of differently-abled persons by providing skill development opportunities and promoting their inclusion in the workforce.
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): DDRS is a centrally sector scheme that provides financial assistance to voluntary organizations working for the rehabilitation of differently-abled persons.
Swavlamban Health Insurance Scheme: It aims to ensure that differently-abled persons have access to healthcare services without financial constraints.

Way Forward

Implementation and enforcement of laws: Ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of existing laws and policies that safeguard the rights of differently-abled persons.
Awareness and sensitization: Conduct awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma and promote a better understanding of differences. This includes sensitising the public, employers and service providers.
Accessibility in infrastructure and services: Continue efforts to make public spaces, transportation and digital platforms more accessible for differently-abled persons.
Employment opportunities: Promote inclusive hiring practices and workplace environments that accommodate needs of differently-abled persons.
Healthcare access: Includes training healthcare professionals, ensuring accessible medical infrastructure and providing financial support for medical expenses.

By addressing these areas, societies can move towards a more inclusive future where persons with disabilities can actively participate in all aspects of life, enjoy equal opportunities and live with dignity and independence.