Differently Abled Persons
- “Differently Abled person” means a person with long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others.
Statistical Data
- As per the Census 2011, the differently abled population in India is 26.8 million. In percentage terms, this stands at 2.21 % of total population.
- Over 18 million in the rural areas and just 8.1 million enumerated in the urban settings. The percentage of men with disabilities is 2.41 as against 2.01 in women.
- 44% of the disabled are female and the remaining 56% are male.
- According to the Census 2011, 27 percent of disabled children between the ages of 5-19 had never attended an educational institution.
- ILO Reports highlights that 73.6% of persons living with disabilities in India are outside the labour force. Those with mental disabilities and women with disabilities and those in rural areas are most neglected (ILO).
- As per the NSSO Report, about 2.2% of India’s population lives with some kind of physical or mental disability.
Issues face by Differently Abled
-
Accessibility Issues:
- Physical Barriers: Many public buildings, transportation systems, and infrastructure lack ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets, restricting mobility for people with physical disabilities.
- Information Inaccessibility: Important information might not be available in Braille, sign language, or audio formats, creating obstacles for people with visual or hearing impairments.
-
Social Stigma and Discrimination:
- Negative Attitudes: People with disabilities may face social stigma, prejudice, and misconceptions about their capabilities.
- Exclusion: They may be excluded from educational opportunities, employment, and social interactions due to discrimination.
-
Educational Barriers:
- Lack of Inclusive Schools: The education system might not be equipped to provide proper support and resources for students with disabilities.
- Limited Skill Development Programs: There might be a lack of skill development programs tailored to the specific needs of PWDs, hindering their employment prospects.
-
Employment Challenges:
- Workplace Inaccessibility: Many workplaces lack modifications like accessible workstations or assistive technologies, making it difficult for PWDs to be employed.
- Discrimination in Hiring: Employers might be reluctant to hire people with disabilities due to misconceptions or a lack of awareness about reasonable accommodations.
-
Healthcare Disparities:
- Limited Accessibility: Healthcare facilities might not be accessible for people with physical limitations or those needing specialized care.
- Affordability: The cost of assistive devices, therapies, and specialized medical care can be a burden for PWDs and their families.
Welfare Schemes
- National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2006: Aims to create an environment that provides equal opportunities for protection of their rights and full participation in society. It outlines specific measures and strategies for ensuring protection of rights of PwDs and their inclusion in the society.
- Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): The campaign targets at enhancing the accessibility of built environment, transport system and Information & communication Ecosystem.
- Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme: To create an enabling environment to ensure equal opportunities, equity, social justice and empowerment of persons with disabilities.