Disability
The culture, prejudices and environment have a great bearing on the meaning of such words, if the word is meant to describe an aspect of human conditions. The words ‘handicapped’, ‘disabled’, ‘retarded’ have various meanings and carry the potential for prejudicial stereotypes, discrimination and abuse. The most acceptable definition of disability is provided in UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRP) which states that “persons with disabilities include those who have long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
The major cause for disabilities is deficiencies in the management of the environment in which we live. Though constitution of India guarantees equality of all citizens, persons with disabilities have been, in reality, facing stigma, discrimination and neglect due to socio-psychological and cultural reasons. The persons with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, protection of Rights and Full participation) Act1995 and UNCRPD have legislated on making education, employment, access to buildings, transport and information systems available to persons with disabilities.
There are nearly 2crore persons having disabilities in India includes persons with visual, hearing, speech, loco motor, intellectual disabilities and multiple disabled. Disability not only affects individual and family but also society and the nation. Non- inclusion of persons with disabilities in the developmental process has several implications, as it may result in loss of income and additional cost to the person with disability, for their care providers and other family. This results in loss of education and social exclusion to them and their family.
Our constitution ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all citizens of the country including persons with disabilities without discrimination,...