International Day Of Persons With Disabilities: India’s Journey Toward A More Inclusive Tomorrow

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), we reaffirm our global commitment to dignity, equality, and full participation for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). This day serves as a crucial reminder that disability inclusion is not merely a matter of charity; it is fundamentally about justice, rights, and social progress.

In India, a nation characterised by extraordinary diversity and complexity, disability inclusion holds profound significance. An estimated 2.21% of the population lives with disabilities, according to the 2011 Census—though experts suggest the actual figure may be higher. India's efforts to foster an inclusive society are intricately linked to economic growth, social cohesion, and the constitutional promise of equality.

This year’s IDPD theme, “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities,” calls on nations to expedite the inclusion of PwDs across all spheres of life. India finds itself at a pivotal moment, standing at the intersection of digital transformation, economic expansion, and a renewed focus on accessibility.

A New Lens on Disability: From Welfare to Rights

India's approach to disability has undergone a significant transformation in the last decade. Previously, disability was often viewed through a medical or charitable lens. Today, fueled by global influence and domestic activism, India adopts a rights-based perspective that emphasises empowerment, equality, and independence.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, marked a landmark shift. It expanded the recognised disabilities from 7 to 21, mandated equal opportunities, strengthened anti-discrimination provisions, and introduced penalties for violations. This legislation was not merely a legal framework; it signalled India’s commitment to treating PwDs as full citizens with complete agency.

However, laws alone cannot reshape society. Inclusion requires consistent execution, systemic reform, and collective will.

India's approach to disability has undergone a significant transformation in the last decade (Image:Freepik)

India’s Progress: Where We Stand Today

Accessibility: The Foundation of Inclusion

The government’s flagship Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) has made substantial progress toward enhancing accessibility across various sectors, including:

•Public buildings
•Transportation
•Digital ecosystems

Airports, railways, and bus terminals have implemented noticeable improvements, including tactile paths, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Additionally, many government websites have been redesigned to support screen readers and comply with WCAG standards.

Despite these advancements, accessibility remains inconsistent; urban areas are making progress, while rural India often lags. Accessibility must be viewed as a standard, not a privilege.

Education: Steady Advancement with Gaps

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises equitable access for children with disabilities and promotes:

•Inclusive classrooms
•Teacher training
•Accessible learning materials

More children with disabilities are attending school today compared to previous decades. However, dropout rates remain high due to:

•Lack of inclusive pedagogy
•Social stigma
•Insufficient infrastructure

True inclusion requires not only physical access but also emotional and academic support.

Employment and Economic Participation

Employment is a crucial marker of dignity and independence for individuals with disabilities (PwDs). India has established:

•A 4% reservation in government jobs
•Incentives for private sector hiring
•Skill development programs tailored for PwDs

Nonetheless, workforce participation remains low. Many PwDs encounter:

•Workplace bias
•Limited training opportunities
•Inaccessible offices and digital tools

Unlocking the productivity of millions of PwDs is both a moral and economic imperative as India strives to become a global financial powerhouse.

Technology is an equaliser

Digital transformation is reshaping the concept of inclusion. Today, assistive technologies—such as screen readers, voice-enabled systems, and AI-driven accessibility tools—are no longer mere afterthoughts; they are essential to how individuals work, learn, and communicate.

Platforms designed around principles like decentralisation, user control, and secure digital identities—especially in emerging tech areas like the Velar architecture’s emphasis on trust and accessibility—illustrate how we can build a digital future that empowers everyone and excludes no one.

If India prioritises accessible technology from the outset, it can position itself as a leader in inclusive innovation.

 India requires improved data regarding the prevalence, access, and needs of people with disabilities. (Image:Freepik)

Invisible Barriers: What Still Holds Us Back

Stigma and Social Perception

Attitudinal barriers remain a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities (PwDs). Many continue to face:

•Lowered expectations
•Overprotection
•Social invisibility
•Workplace discrimination

Altering these mindsets necessitates awareness campaigns, positive representation, and community engagement.

Data Gaps

India requires improved data regarding the prevalence, access, and needs of people with disabilities. The figures from the 2011 Census are outdated and conservative. In the absence of accurate data:

•Policies cannot be effectively targeted.
•Resources cannot be allocated efficiently.

The forthcoming census and nationwide surveys must adopt internationally recognised definitions and methodologies.

Healthcare and Rehabilitation

Access to quality rehabilitation, early detection, and assistive devices is crucial yet often remains out of reach, particularly in rural areas.

Furthermore, there is a shortage of:

•Trained therapists
•Rehabilitation centers
•Mental health support

India must develop affordable, community-based rehabilitation systems.

The Promise of India’s Young and Inclusive Future

India boasts a significant demographic advantage: it is a youthful nation increasingly aware of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Schools, corporations, and public institutions are starting to recognize that inclusion is not just an act of charity; it is a fundamental source of strength.

1. Youth Advocacy

Young Indians are leveraging social media, public forums, and the arts to challenge stereotypes. The representation of disability in films, advertising, and literature is gradually improving, helping society move beyond labels.

Start-up and Corporate Leadership

India’s start-up ecosystem is integrating accessibility as a core design principle across sectors such as education technology (EdTech), mobility, health tech, and digital payments.

Corporations are implementing inclusive hiring practices, creating accessible workplaces, and establishing employee sensitization programs. Inclusion is becoming a business priority.

Sports: A Stage for Excellence

India’s Paralympians have achieved remarkable success, bringing glory to the nation. Their accomplishments:

-Inspire national pride
-Challenge public narratives about disability.
-Demonstrate the potential benefits of large-scale inclusion
Sports continue to serve as a powerful driver of visibility and respect.

A Call for Collective Action

The journey toward full disability inclusion in India demands action on multiple fronts.

Government Must:

-Strengthen the implementation of the RPwD Act.
-Expand accessibility in rural regions.
-Invest in accessible public transport.
-Modernize educational and healthcare infrastructure.
-Improve disability data systems.

The Private Sector Must:

-Adopt accessible designs for products and workplaces.
-Hire inclusively
-Train staff and leaders on disability etiquette
-Provide flexible, hybrid work options.

Society Must:

-Treat individuals with disabilities (PwDs) with respect and dignity.
-Use inclusive language.
o-Challenge stereotypes
-Encourage participation, not pity.

We as individuals must:

-Acknowledge unconscious biases
-Advocate for accessible environments.
-Support organizations led by PwDs
-Educate ourselves and others.

Conclusion: Toward a Future Where Everyone Belongs

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is more than just a date on the calendar—it reflects our societal progress and illustrates how far we have come and how far we still have to go.

India is at a pivotal moment. Our policies are stronger, our technology more advanced, and our youth more aware.

However, real progress hinges on translating intention into action—ensuring that every school, workplace, street, and digital space welcomes individuals with disabilities not as exceptions but as equals.

An inclusive India is not merely a compassionate ideal; it is essential for our social, cultural, and economic future.

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us commit to building a nation where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully, live with dignity, and shape the India of tomorrow.

Because inclusion is not an act of kindness—it is an act of justice.

(Note: Dr (Prof) Sadhana Kala is a USA-trained robotic & laparoscopic surgeon, Uppsala University, Sweden, trained fertility specialist, Icon Endoscopic Surgeon of North India, and National Icon Endoscopic Surgeon of India. She is rated as India's Best Gynecologist by Google.)

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author.)