Differently abled individuals
Differently
abled individuals" is a more inclusive term, as "disabled" can
carry negative connotations. There is no universally agreed-upon definition of
disability, but generally, it refers to limitations in mental and physical
abilities that impede normal daily living.
In
India, approximately one in ten people are considered differently abled, totalling
around two crore individuals who experience varying degrees of disability.
The types of disabilities encountered in India include:
Cognitive
impairments hindering learning and knowledge application (mentally challenged).
Difficulties
performing daily tasks.
Speech
impairments.
Mobility
limitations.
Challenges
in maintaining a typical family life, among others.
The
World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that the issues faced by differently
abled individuals are often rooted in social insensitivity rather than inherent
mental or physical limitations, eroding their confidence and ability to lead
dignified lives.
As
of 2011, there were 26.8 million people with disabilities in India, comprising
2.16 per cent of the total population, with males accounting for 55.9 per cent and females 49.1 per cent.
When
certain disabilities are identified in childhood, society often fails to treat
affected individuals normally, leading to mental disability and dependence,
inhibiting them from living a typical life.
Lack of infrastructure: The absence of proper equipment prevents effective
training, exacerbating dependency and vulnerability among individuals with
disabilities.
Lack of early disability identification systems: Many disabilities are
treatable if detected early, but the lack of appropriate identification tools
results in them becoming untreatable later on.
As
a consequence of these factors, 2 per cent of the Indian population are unable to
lead normal lives, posing dangers to them and contributing to economic and
social issues on a national scale.
Their
lack of productivity adversely affects the nation's economic health.
In
2013, the honourable Supreme Court decided to allocate a 2 per cent reservation
for differently-abled individuals in government jobs and extended age limits in
competitive exams to facilitate their employment and enable them to
live normal lives.
The
Government of India established the National Differently Abled Finance and
Development Corporation (NDAFADC), aimed at providing training and soft loans
to these individuals to live independently and with respect. The corporation
not only provides technical assistance but also promotes entrepreneurship and
skills development to help them lead a normal life.
In
addition to this nodal agency, various national and state-level organizations
are working diligently to address the challenges faced by differently-abled
individuals in the nation:
National Blind Institute (Dehradun)
National Differently Abled Institute (Kolkata)
Aliya War Jung Deaf and Dumb Institute (Mumbai)
National Monthly Disabled Institute (Sikandrabad)
National Rehabilitation and Training Institute
(Cuttack)
National Disability Institute (Delhi)
Multiple Disability Destitute Empowerment Institute
(Chennai)
\ In 2006, the National Policy for the Disabled was announced, focusing on the following points:
Ensuring easy detection and curability of disabilities.
Categorizing all disabilities into three main categories: physical, economic, and educational rehabilitation.
Identifying
government jobs for economic rehabilitation with arrangements for reservation.
Providing
effective training, assistance, and rehabilitation in the private sector,
particularly in hospitality, to enable employment opportunities in the hotel
business.
Ensuring
effective enforcement of laws and constitutional provisions to enable
differently-abled individuals to live a dignified, independent life.
Solution
Early
identification, easy solutions, and quick rehabilitation are essential to
address this problem. Therefore, there should be a helpline (call centre) where
any family, panchayat, or urban body can identify any disabilities in
individuals and notify the state through a missed call. This would enable the
state to promptly reach out to the family for early identification and
resolution. Initially, every community should have at least one specialized
multipurpose centre where treatment, rehabilitation, training, education, etc.,
can be provided.
Social
sensitivity is crucial; therefore, regular social campaigns should be organized
in every school, college, and public place to educate people on how to treat
individuals with disabilities with respect and dignity.
Since
they are referred to as differently-abled, it's important to recognize that
every individual, despite their disability, may possess some abilities that
need identification and nurturing to foster independence. Laws, policies, and
programs should be made accessible to them to reduce their dependency and
vulnerability.
With
two per cent of the population being differently-abled, it's imperative not to
overlook their needs. Ensuring their social justice is not just a moral
obligation but also enhances national capabilities by transforming them from
dependent individuals to effective human resources. By treating and training
them well, Indians can significantly contribute to the nation's journey towards
becoming a developed nation.