Disability Flag, created by the Eros Recio in 2017, represents people with disabilities

Disability Inclusion

Awareness and Advocacy 

People with special needs require empathy and not sympathy

- Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India, International Day of Persons with Disabilities Speech, 03-Dec-2018

Why disability awareness and disability advocacy are critical?

Contradicting views notwithstanding, conflicting economic interests prevailing in the families of the person with disability, and divergent mindsets of the society about disability co-existing; the 21st century needs to move forward with humanity, human rights, and human values of inclusivity. Everything today, must be inclusive. 

Fact of the matter is, while RPWD Act recognizes 21 categories of disabilities and experts add a couple of more as invisible disabilities, most of us live with various incognizable disabilities of the mind and the soul. While for ages we have tagged people with disability as crippled, handicapped, differently-abled and so on, deep through our incognizable thought disability we see ourselves as "normal" and "them" as - well, we always need a tag. 

Why this? At the time when we have raised our voices on racism, on body-shaming, on gender equality, or on sexual orientation; and asking for equality against every discriminations; attitude to disability needs immediate reassessment. 

The way to do this is to spread the awareness about the truth of various disabilities and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Only then we can have inclusive development as human race.

In this section we chronicle major global and India efforts.

A person with disability does need compassion and charity; he needs empathy and empowerment

Accenture-AI-For-Disablility-Inclusion.pdf

Awareness

Before talking about disability awareness, it is necessary to discuss self-awareness: not only is an individual more than their disability, disability awareness is an extension of self-awareness.  It is crucial for an individual with a disability to have self-awareness so they can see themselves as an individual just as unique as someone without a disability, and not to define themselves by their disability.  For others to recognize an individual with a disability as more than their disability, the individual needs to be able to identify themselves as more than just someone with a disability.

What is Self-Awareness?

Self-awareness is an understanding of one’s self, and an individual’s ability to be self-aware typically increases with age.  Self-awareness looks very different for a 5-year-old, a ten-year-old, a teenager and an adult.  It is a skill that can be taught and ultimately for an individual to be fully self-aware, they need to understand their strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, fears, wants, desires, and beliefs.  

Steps to gaining Self-Awareness

Steps to gaining Disability Awareness

Key Points

Individuals with disabilities need to remember that you know yourself the best. You may not know everything there is to know about the disability you have, but you know about how the disability affects your life. Understanding more about your disability will likely help you understand more about yourself and provide you with insight into what you might be able to do differently to make your life easier.

Parents of individuals with disabilities, you are the expert on your child and how their disability affects their daily life.  Experts can tell you about the disability and various strategies to try.  Take the time to listen and learn as much as you can from them. You know your child the best and are the one who has to decide if those strategies are right for your family.

Source

Concept of Disability Within the Culture

Many families are reluctant to report disability, particularly in view of the prevailing negative attitudes toward people with disability in most communities.

The major shifts in thinking about people with disabilities that have occurred in the West for the past three or four decades have only started taking place in India in the recent past. 

Views on Acquired vs Lifelong Disabilities

Although families go through the natural process of shock and grief when a child is born with a disability, in Indian culture, it is accepted as one's fate or destiny. The belief in karma, or payment for past deeds, underlies the accepting spirit. Because rehabilitation services are not easily available to the majority of the population in India, little help is sought for children with lifelong disabilities. Economic hardship, poor transport facilities and a lack of education make it harder for the parents to access services for their child.

When a person acquires a disability, people are more sympathetic since they think of the person's level of function prior to the illness or injury. 

Source

In view of the importance of awareness about disability, we present various efforts at individual, organizational, local, regional, national and international levels to spread awareness about persons with disability

How to interact with a Person with Disability?

Check Disabled and Disability section in Home page for related discussions - especially the evolutions of the terminology and the perspectives in US & UK with respect to Disability Rights.

It’s no secret a lot of people in the world aren’t comfortable around people with disabilities, despite the fact that 1 in 5 people have some kind of disability. It can take time getting comfortable with the idea of being disabled, and it can take even longer for people to get comfortable around people with disabilities. So it is important to understand the proper interactions and communication processes with persons with disability.

This is discussed here in the following sub-sections:

Models of Disability

It is important to understand the model of disability - especially the difference between the person-centric model (which the persons with disability has to handle) and the world-centric model (which the rest of the world has to support).

Models for Person with Disability in India

The models of disability are, in fact tools for defining impairment. Different people conceptualize the phenomenon of disability differently. Virtually all the literature on disability outlines the shift in disability policy thinking from the charity and medical models of disability towards social model of disability. The various models of disability can be described briefly as follows:

The oldest model of disability was moral model. Under this model person with disability were seen as sin. Disability was considered as punishment from God for the wrong Karma done in the past. Thus persons with disabilities were treated as alien. They have no right to live in the mainstream society. 

The Medical Model of Disability relies on a purely medical definition of disability. This model is also referred as bio-centric model of disability. Thus equates the physical or mental impairment from a disease or disorder with the disability that the person experiences. From a policy viewpoint, the person with disability is viewed as the “problem”, and in need of cure and treatment. In terms of services, the general approach within this model is towards special institutions for people with disabilities, e.g. special schools, sheltered workshops, special transport etc. 

Charity model of disability also views the person with disabilities as the problem and dependent on the sympathy of others to provide assistance in a charity or welfare. This model treats the disabled as dependent upon the society. It has an emotional appeal towards the disabled. The disabled are treated as helpless victims needing ‘care and protection’. 

The contemporary disability discrimination discourse rejects the medical welfare model and locates disability in social context. The social relations model treats human differences as constructed by and residing in a social relationship. The advocates of social relations model, therefore, insists that the society as a whole has the responsibility to eliminate social and physical structures that exclude people with disabilities in having access to opportunities. The social relations model also emphasizes the concept of “independent living” which means that the disabled persons are the best judge about their own concern and are full citizens with equal civil rights. 

Rights-based model of disability builds on the insights of the social model to promote creation of communities which accept diversities and differences, and have a non-discriminating environment in terms of inclusion in all aspects of the life of society. The disability rights model position disability as an important dimension of human culture. This model regards disability as normal aspect and that the disabled are equally entitled to rights as others.

The economic model of disability tries to establish the linkages between the individual and society in term of their contribution to productive capabilities towards the society. The emphasis here is on health related limitations on the amount and kind of work performed by persons with disabilities. 

Disability movement has succeeded in changing the approach towards disability from moral model to charity model but limited has been achieved in the direction of human rights model. 


Source: Models for person with disability in India, Madhav University

Be Sensitive while Referring to a Person with Disability

The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug - Mark Twain

It is people first, then the disability. So we must say, "A student with a disability", rather than "a disabled student"

Appropriate



Inappropriate




Over the centuries, persons with disabilities have been referred to by various terminologies in India and across the world, including (but not limited to):

Recently National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has used several terminologies including:

The terminology of reference to persons with disabilities has evolved in India from Physically Handicapped (viklang) to Physically Challenged to Differently / Specially Abled to Special Needs to Divyangjan (divine bodied) to improve the sensitivity and inclusiveness. Yet the debate over what is really respectful, what is sensitive, what is inclusive, still continues (refer to the references below for an extensive perspective on this issue). As of today, across the world and in India, most people with disability prefer to be referred as "Person with Disability". 

* Prof. Partha Pratim Das of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India recounts - "When I joined IIT in 1979, there used to be quota for Physically Handicapped or PH, which is now called Person with Disability or PwD".

Further reading (with selective quotes)

* The phrased "disabled people" is an example of identity-first language (in contrast to people-first language). It is the preferred terminology in Great Britain and by a growing number of U.S. disability activists. Syracuse University's Disability Cultural Center says, "The basic reason behind members of (some disability) groups' dislike for the application of people-first language to themselves is that they consider their disabilities to be inseparable parts of who they are." For example, they prefer to be referred to as "autistic," "blind" or "disabled." Several U.S. disability groups have always used identity-first terms, specifically the culturally Deaf community and the autistic rights' community." 

* The usage of the term Divyangjan ("those with divine abilities") has been promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an alternative to the term "Persons with Disability". However, disability rights activists have called it condescending and derogatory.

* It’s time we normalise disability by referring to the disabled as ‘disabled’, 2019

* Disability in India remains about the able-bodied. Why?

* 'Disability' & 'disabled' have become the most commonly accepted and inoffensive terms that can be used, in both British & American English

* People first language inherently cannot accomplish what it is trying to accomplish.

* People First Language Actually Makes the Situation Worse, Not Better - How?

* When talking about places with accommodations for people with disabilities, use the term “accessible” rather than “disabled” or “handicapped.” For example, refer to an “accessible” parking space rather than a “disabled” or “handicapped” parking space or “an accessible bathroom stall” rather than “a handicapped bathroom stall.”

* Use the term “disability,” and take the following terms out of your vocabulary when talking about or talking to people with disabilities. Don’t use the terms “handicapped,” “differently-abled,” “cripple,” “crippled,” “victim,” “retarded,” “stricken,” “poor,” “unfortunate,” or “special needs.”

* Just because someone has a disability, it doesn’t mean he/she is “courageous,” “brave,” “special,” or “superhuman.” People with disabilities are the same as everyone else. It is not unusual for someone with a disability to have talents, skills, and abilities.

* It is okay to use words or phrases such as “disabled,” “disability,” or “people with disabilities” when talking about disability issues. Ask the people you are with which term they prefer if they have a disability.

* When talking about people without disabilities, it is okay to say “people without disabilities.” But do not refer to them as “normal” or “healthy.” These terms can make people with disabilities feel as though there is something wrong with them and that they are “abnormal.” 

* Various religions in India, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity, preach and practice respect and service to people with disabilities. Hinduism teaches that persons who help others who are poor or disabled attain "punya" -- a step towards heaven.

Use Respectful and Respectable Language

Respectful Disability Language, National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN), 2006

Here are some ways that people with disabilities are described. This list includes “outdated language” – terms and phrases that should not be used. This list also includes respectful words that should be used to describe different disabilities. What is “okay” for some people is not “okay” for others. If you don’t know what to say, just ask how a person likes to be described. 

Disability

Blind or Visually Impairment

Deaf or Hearing Impairment

Speech / Communication Disability

Learning Disability


Mental Health Disability



Mobility/Physical Disability

Emotional Disability

Cognitive Disability

Short Stature, Little Person

Health Conditions

Out-Dated Language

Dumb, Invalid

Invalid, Deaf-and-Dumb, Deaf-Mute

Dumb, "One who talks bad"

Retarded, Slow, Brain Damaged, "Special ed", Dumb, Mental, Mentally challenged

Hyper-sensitive, Psycho, Crazy, Insane, Wacko, Nuts, Mental, Mad

Handicapped, Physically Challenged, "Special", Deformed, Cripple, Gimp, Spastic, Spaz, Wheelchair bound, Lame

Emotionally disturbed, Crank, Weird

Retard, Mentally retarded, "Special ed", Dumb, Mental, Mentally challenged

Dwarf, Midget

Victim, Someone "stricken with" a disability ("someone stricken with cancer" or an AIDS victim")

Respectful Language

Blind / Visually Impaired, Person who is blind / visually impaired

Deaf or Hard-of-hearing, Person who is deaf or hard of hearing

Person with a speech / communication disability

Learning disability, Cognitive disability, Person with a learning or cognitive disability

Person with a psychiatric disability, Person with a mental health disability

Wheelchair user, Physically disabled, Person with a mobility or physical disability


Emotionally disabled, Person with an emotional disability

Cognitively / Developmentally disabled, Person with a cognitive / developmental disability

Someone of short stature, Little Person

Survivor, Someone "living with" a specific disability ("someone living with cancer or AIDS") 

Be Empathetic (not sympathetic) while Supporting a Person with Disability

If you’ve never gotten to know someone with a disability before, or maybe you’re meeting a person with a disability and are worried you might make a fool of yourself, here are 10 must-know tips on interacting with people with disabilities.

People with disabilities as a whole don’t like being referred to as “inspirational,” especially when they do a basic task like go and buy some milk. And this happens all the time. While some people get inspired by us simply living our lives and can’t help it, please try to refrain from sharing your thoughts with us. We are just trying to live our lives like everyone else. Your comment will have the negative effect, reminding us how different people still think we are.

There’s still a large portion of the population that does one of the most offensive things you can do when interacting with someone with a disability – talking louder when speaking to us. Why do they do this even if they know we’re not deaf? They think we’re daft. 

It may be hard to resist, but automatically helping us without asking first should never be done. We know when to ask for help. Just wait for us to speak up. Even if it seems like we’re too shy to ask, please don’t grab our jacket and help us put it on without asking first. Or assist us when we’re getting into our accessible van. How would you like it if someone barrel-rolled themselves into your personal space? You wouldn’t. The same goes for us.

Something strange happens whenever I go to a crowded standing-room only event  – people love to use me as a convenient object to lean on. They have no idea what they’re doing in some cases, but this is very much something to avoid. From our perspective, it’s one of the most de-humanizing things you can do. You would never do it to someone who is standing, but to us, it’s ok? Just remember these five words: We are not rolling furniture.

I’ve had friends who were blind and one of the most important things you can do when you first meet someone with vision limitations is to introduce yourself. This is something you would normally do anyways, but in the case of someone with vision issues, this should be done right away just to let them know you are near so they can better “see” their surroundings.

This saying says so much in a few simple words, and the deeper meaning is something to really take home if you want to better interact with us. Breath, keep calm, there are scarier things in life than us. We are just another ho-hum human, but sitting in a chair on wheels. We’re really not as different as you may think. Really.

Notice the reference to the disabled population as “people with disabilities.” This is called “person first” language and people with disabilities should always be referred to this way in written-form, and in the thought-process as well. It’s about looking at the human beneath whatever condition we may have. If you can manage to adopt writing and speaking this way, you’re on your way to seeing us before our disability.

Avoiding patronizing remarks also ranks high on the list of how-to better interact with people with disabilities. Anything along the lines of “Good for you,” “You’re so brave,” “Wow I’m impressed” should never be uttered. Just remember, again, we are not that different. Now if we win a few gold Paralympic medals, win an Oscar, or invent a flying wheelchair, you better let those patronizing remarks fly.

It can be hard to witness, but when you’re at a restaurant and see someone with an obvious disability, watch how the waiter interacts with them. More often than not they’ll ask whoever they’re with – not them – what they’re ordering, sadly assuming the person’s disability must affect their mental ability too. This way of thinking still permeates the minds of many and is one of the top offenses to people with disabilities. Always assume they can think just as quickly as you can, and you’ll be good to go.

And above all, when in doubt over how you should treat us, always refer to the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is beautifully simple – treat others as you’d like to be treated. Mutual respect. At the end of the day, this is the only tip you need. If everyone referred the Golden Rule in all aspects of life, oh the world, we wouldn’t even recognize it.

Interacting with people with disabilities is only as hard as you make it. Remember the basics above, while always making sure to never forget the importance of basic good human interactions. If you can manage that, you’re officially a cut above the rest, breaking free from antiquated ways of interacting with people with disabilities.

Source:

Disability and Religion

From time immemorial it has been believed across geographies, societies, and culture that

Religious practice promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. Regular attendance at religious services is linked to healthy, stable family life, strong marriages, and well-behaved children.

Hence for ages, religion, religious faith, and religious scriptures have deeply influenced how the society looks at disability. We take a look at the teaching of the major religions in the context of disability. 

Disability and Religion

The intersection of disability and religion concentrates on the manner in which disabled people are treated within religious communities, the religious texts of those religions, or the general input from religious discourse on matters relating to disability. Studies on the relationship between religion and disability vary widely, with 

Regarding the rationale behind God's creation of disabled people, some religions maintain that their contrast with the able-bodied permits the able-bodied to reflect and God to subsequently assess the level of gratitude shown by each individual for their health.

Buddhism

In the book, The Words of my Perfect Teacher, Patrul Rinpoche states that the presence of a disability that impedes an understanding of the concept of dharma will prevent a person from being able to practice Buddhism. 

Buddhists with disabilities often face condescending attitudes towards them. The emphasis on compassion has been linked with a reluctance to encourage independence and social participation in people with disabilities.

Christianity

Jesus is often shown performing miraculous healing those with disabilities, although some believe Jesus still referred to sin as the cause of physical disability. 

On the contrary, Christ healing the man born blind, where Jesus challenged the view that disability was punishment for sin. 

In the Middle Ages, there were two prevailing approaches to those with disabilities. 

Disability is still linked with sin in some denominations of the church where Christianity is the dominant religion.

In contrast, some Christians feel that their faith means they have a duty to care for those with disabilities. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has called for the church to be more accepting of those with disabilities.

Hinduism

Ashtavakra who had eight physical deformities, author of the Ashtavakra Gita, and was a revered Vedic sage. He is shown to have triumphed over the scholars in King Janaka's court, who mocked his disabilities.

The 16th-century Hindu poet and singer Surdas, who was blind, is said to have composed more than 125,000 songs, is similarly revered as a great religious figure.

In ancient and medieval Hindu society, individuals with disabilities were considered for special employment jobs where their disability would be beneficial for their work; for example, kings who would hire persons with hearing and/or speech impairment to copy confidential government documents.

The Bhagavad Gita advocates that disabled people feeling hopeless should go forward in life with a positive manner and attitude by following Dharma.

However, Hindus also believe that disability is caused by negative karma, but this is not imposed by an outside punitive force or God.

Hinduism also views charitable actions, such as giving money to those in need, as a positive action that will help build a person's good karma for their next life. Although disability can be treated as something that is very shameful societally, with some families confining disabled family members to the home, Hinduism stipulates that it is the Dharmic duty of all able-bodied individuals to care for those with a disability and extend charity to them.

Islam

In Islam, the cause of disability is not attributed to wrongdoing by the disabled person or their parents. Islam views disability as a challenge set by Allah. The Qur'an urges people to treat people with intellectual disabilities with kindness and to protect people with disabilities. Muhammed is shown to treat disabled people with respect.

In the early Islamic caliphate, Bayt al-mal was established to provide for money for people in need, which included the disabled, which was funded by zakat.

In the 16th century, the Islamic scholar Ibn Fahd's book al-Nukat al-Zirâf argued that disability could be caused by disobeying a prophet and also be healed by prophets, although the books faced a widespread backlash at the time.

In Saudi Arabia, there is a strong focus on equality for children and adults with special needs, which is based on Islam's views on disability.

Despite the Qur’an’s teachings on treating disabled people with respect, due to colonialism and the doctrine of dawarism, some Muslims families report feelings of shame around having a disabled relative and refuse to allow a disabled person to participate in key aspects of Islam, such as attending the Mosque and fasting for Ramadan.

Judaism

In the Torah, disability is caused by Yahweh (national God of ancient Israel), as a punishment for transgressions.

Although, God also commands Jews in Israel to "not insult the deaf, or place a stumbling block before the blind". As well as this, Halakha states that people should support sick people.

Source

Why disability awareness and disability advocacy are critical?

Contradicting views notwithstanding, conflicting economic interests prevailing in the families of the person with disability, and divergent mindsets of the society about disability co-existing; the 21st century needs to move forward with humanity, human rights, and human values of inclusivity. Everything today, must be inclusive. 

Fact of the matter is, while RPWD Act recognizes 21 categories of disabilities and experts add a couple of more as invisible disabilities, most of us live with various incognizable disabilities of the mind and the soul. While for ages we have tagged people with disability as crippled, handicapped, differently-abled and so on, deep through our incognizable thought disability we see ourselves as "normal" and "them" as - well, we always need a tag. 

Why this? At the time when we have raised our voices on racism, on body-shaming, on gender equality, or on sexual orientation; and asking for equality against every discriminations; attitude to disability needs immediate reassessment. 

The way to do this is to spread the awareness about the truth of various disabilities and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Only then we can have inclusive development as human race.

A person with disability does need compassion and charity; he needs empathy and empowerment

Disability Observance Date, Day, Week, Month, or Year

Source: Health and Disability Awareness Days, Weeks, Months, Disabled World, 2022

All India Flag Day for the Blind observed by NAB India

All India Flag Day for the Blind: 14th September. [India]. Every 14th September, Finance Raising Committee (FRC) of NAB India organizes the All India Flag Day for the Blind. To mark the occasion, it calls on important personalities in Mumbai – the Governor, the Mayor, the chiefs of Indian Army and Navy bases in the city, heads of public and private sector establishments etc. It becomes a day of celebration and expression of talent and joy. Performances become a way to reach to people’s heart and start a new way of looking at world

Audiobook Month: June. Audiobooks are both an accessible literacy tool and a great form of entertainment. Every year, an industry-wide celebration takes place from June 1 – 30 with the goal of increasing awareness of and engagement with this growing format. 

Autism Sunday: 2nd Sunday of February. It is observed to urge governments to speak up for the people with autism spectrum disorder. Churches of all denominations around the world now honor the millions of people with autism on Autism Sunday, also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autistic Pride Day: 18th June. Autistic pride recognizes the importance of pride for autistic people and its role in bringing about positive changes in the broader society. Although Autistic Pride Day is 18 June, pride events are often held on the weekend of that year for logistical reasons, but can be held at any time during the year.

Better Speech and Hearing Month (BHSM): May. BHSM was founded in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Each May, this annual event provides an opportunity to raise awareness about hearing and speech problems, and to encourage people to think about their own hearing and get their hearing checked.

Bone Anchored Awareness Day: 3rd May. In 2021, Oticon Medical initiated an annually recurring awareness day “Good Vibrations” to celebrate bone anchored hearing as a treatment by creating awareness about this treatment and giving voice to users around the globe. The date, May 3rd was selected as it is the birthday of Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish physician and research professor known as the father of osseointegration and the godfather of bone anchored hearing.

Cataract Awareness Month: June. Cataract is the world’s leading cause of blindness, accounting for approximately 42% of all cases of blindness in all nations. 

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month: August. Prevent Blindness pronounced August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month to help raise awareness of children’s vision and eye health as kids head back to school. Healthy vision contributes to children’s school readiness, ability to learn, overall healthy development and ability to reach motor developmental milestones.

Deaf Awareness Month: September. Deaf Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural history of the Deaf community, and continue the work of advocating for the rights of Deaf people everywhere. 

Deaf History Month is celebrated every March 13 to April 15 to honor the achievements of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

Deafblind Awareness Week: Last week in June [USA]. Established  in 1984, it is observed in the honor of Helen Keller's birthday on June 27th.

Disability Pride Month: July. [USA]. It occurs in the USA every July to commemorate the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passing in July 1990. Disability Pride is also celebrated in other countries around the world at varying times of the year. In 2015, New York City Mayor de Blasio declared the month of July as Disability Pride Month in honor of the Americans With Disabilities Act's 25th anniversary. 

Glaucoma Awareness Month: January. Glaucoma’s one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. It’s actually a group of diseases where pressure (usually) builds up and damages the eye’s optic nerve. National Glaucoma Awareness Month, in January, reminds all of us to get regular eye exams and show support for those suffering. 

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD): 3rd Thursday of May. The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) access/inclusion and people with different disabilities. GAAD 2020.

Helen Keller Day: [USA] Commemorated on 27th June, the birthday of Hellen Keller. It celebrates the life and achievements of Helen Keller, a woman who overcame blindness and deafness and became infamous in the process.

International Cochlear Implant Day: 25th February was named international cochlear implant day by the Spanish association of cochlear implants, with the first day being help in 2005. On the 25th February 1957 two French doctors were the first people to electrically stimulate the auditory nerve by placing an electrode outside the cochlear. 21 years later, in 1978 Dr. Graeme Clark conducted the 1st ever cochlear implant, on Rod Saunders, who had lost his hearing in an automobile accident.

International Day for Achievers: 24th March. The International Day for Achievers is observed every year on March 24 to celebrate achievers and their strong sense of purpose and confidence. The achievers are those who make goals and do all it takes to reach the set goals. Achievers can belong to any field be it arts, science, sports, education, health or social work. 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (World Disabled Day): 3rd December. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

International Day of Sign Languages: 23rd September. It is celebrated annually across the world on 23 September every year along with International Week of the Deaf. The choice of 23 September is the same date that the World Federation of the Deaf was established in 1951. Observations in 2021.

International Decade of Disabled Persons: 1983-1993. The International Decade of Disabled Persons ran from 1983 to 1993. It was closed by a speech in the General Assembly by Dr. Robert R. Davila, then an Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Education who declared that "before the year is up, we expect the number of disabled persons to double".

International Guide Dog Day: Last Wednesday in April. References to guide dogs date back to at least the 16th century, so for the hundreds of years of service that these faithful companions have provided, this day is the thanks giving.

International Noise Awareness Day: Last Wednesday in April. It is a global campaign, founded in 1996 by the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC), aiming to raise awareness of the effects of noise on the welfare and health of people. Noise affects people in many ways, but only deafness and annoyance receive actual interest from the general public. The day is commemorated on the last Wednesday of April of each year. Activities aimed at creating a focus not only on noise, but also on means of reducing noise levels, are organized in a number of countries all over the world, including Brazil, Chile, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United States. In recent years, there have been related events initiated in Asia, including Singapore and Australia.

International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf): is celebrated annually across the world during the last full week of September since 2009. Observations in 2021.

International Wheelchair Day: 1st March. It is an annual day of events and activities which take place around the World when wheelchair users celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has on their lives. Since it was first launched in 2008, celebrations have taken place in Australia, Nepal, Senegal, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, United Kingdom and United States of America.

(The) International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP): 1981. In 1976, the General Assembly proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). It called for a plan of action at the national, regional and international levels, with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities.

International Year of Light: 2015. IYL 2015 was a United Nations observance that aimed to raise awareness of the achievements of light science and its applications, and its importance to humankind, specifically the visually impaired.

Low Vision Awareness Month: February. Prevent Blindness has declared February as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Awareness Month. Low vision, can make it hard to do things like reading, shopping, or cooking. Vision rehabilitation services can help people with low vision learn how to stay independent and make the most of their sight. Low Vision Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about vision rehabilitation.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: [USA] October. National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for the month of October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. The month is an extension of National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week originally observed during the first week of October beginning in 1945. In 1962 the word physically was removed from that week to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. 

National Disability Independence Day: 26th July. It is celebrated every year on July 26. It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disability Act (A.D.A.) in 1990. 

National Guide Dog Month: September. The purpose of this month long celebration is to raise awareness, support and appreciation for guide dog schools.

World Autism Awareness Day: 2nd April. World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on April 2 every year, encouraging Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autism spectrum disorder throughout the world. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution.

World Autism Month: April. It is celebrated by Autism Speaks. In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into Autism Acceptance Month (AAM). World Autism Month recognizes the need for supporting, understanding, accepting, including, and empowering of people on the autism spectrum. 

World Braille Day (WBD): 4th January. It is an international day to celebrate awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and visually impaired people. It marks the birthday of Louis Braille on 1809. 

In India it is also called Louis Braille Day when a blind person reads news on Doordarshan and All India Radio.

World Glaucoma Day: 12th March. It is observed to raise awareness about glaucoma and to alert everyone to have regular eye (and optic nerve) check-ups to detect glaucoma as early as possible. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, but with early treatment, the damage may get limited and sight may be saved.

World Glaucoma Week: 1st Week of March. It is a global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) in order to raise awareness on glaucoma. The goal is to alert everyone to have regular eye (and optic nerve) checks in order to detect glaucoma as early as possible. In 2022, more than 500 activities from around the world were submitted on the World Glaucoma Week website World Map.

World Health Day: 7th April. It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.

World Hearing Day: 3rd March. World Hearing Day is a campaign held each year by Office of Prevention of Blindness and Deafness of the World Health Organization (WHO). Activities take place across the globe and an event is hosted at the World Health Organization on March 3. The campaign's objectives are to share information and promote actions towards the prevention of hearing loss and improved hearing care. The first event was held in 2007. Before 2016 it was known as International Ear Care Day. 

World Sight Day (WSD): 2nd Thursday of October. It is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment, raise public awareness of blindness & vision impairment, influence Governments/Ministers of Health to participate in and designate funds for national blindness prevention programmes and educate target audiences about blindness prevention. 

World Usability Day: 2nd Thursday in November. Also called Make Things Easier Day, it is observed annually to promote the values of usability, usability engineering, user-centered design, universal usability, and every user's responsibility to ask for things that work better. 

World White Cane Safety Day: 15th October. The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.

Disability Symbolism and Icons

The International Symbol of Access (ISA) designed by Danish design student Susanne Koefoed in 1968

Modified ISA

As the world moves towards better inclusiveness for the persons with disability, some disability activists are advocating for a modified access symbol. Sara Hendren and Brian Glenney co-founded the Accessible Icon Project, designing the new icon to display an active, engaged image with focus on the person with disability.

Disability Pride Flag

This was redesigned in 2021 by Ann Magill from 2019 lightening version to make it safer for people with visually-triggered disabilities

A charcoal grey flag with a diagonal band from the top left to the bottom right corner, made up of five parallel stripes in red, gold, pale grey, blue, and green

Disability Flag

The Disability flag, Overcoming flag or Flag of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a flag that represents people who have a disability. It was created by the Valencian dancer Eros Recio in 2017. The flag was presented to the United Nations Organization. It is for general use. It can be employed at any disability event, especially the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The flag represents people who have disabilities. Among other things, it also represents the fight for the rights of people with disabilities, the pride of disability or Paralympic sport.

The colors of the flag are inspired by the Paralympic Games because it is an important and relevant event for people with disabilities. It is important to emphasize that this should not be confused with a competitive and meritocratic sentiment of the event itself. These colors really represent the collective's overcoming in the face of the discriminatory adversities imposed by society, the victory over the new rights achieved for the collective, and the success in being aware of this inequality in order to defend a better future. As raised and defended by various activists of the Disability Pride movement.

According to Eros Recio, the flag is designed with three colors of three metals: gold, silver, and bronze that represent three of the main types of disability: physical, mental (intellectual or psychosocial) and sensory. Its meaning has a general nature. This means that each color does not exclusively represent a specific type of disability but rather all of them as a whole. Nor does it mean that it excludes other forms of disability other than the three mentioned. Such as visceral disability, multiple, etc. It is also important to mention that there is no color that is better than another.

Disability Pride Flag

Disability Pride Flag, designed by Ann Magill, is used with Disability Pride Parades by disabled people. Disability Pride Parades seek to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.

Disability Pride Parades also usually coincide with Disability Pride Week in the communities where they are held.

The International Symbol of Access (ISA)

ISA, also known as the (International) Wheelchair Symbol, consists of a blue square overlaid in white with a stylized image of a person in a wheelchair. The ISA was designed by Danish design student Susanne Koefoed in 1968.

The symbol is often seen where access has been improved, particularly for wheelchair users, but also for other disability issues. Frequently, the symbol denotes the removal of environmental barriers, such as steps, which also helps older people, parents with baby carriages, and travelers.

Some disability activists are advocating for a modified access symbol. Sara Hendren and Brian Glenney co-founded the Accessible Icon Project, designing the new icon to display an active, engaged image with focus on the person with disability. Some disability organizations such as  Enabling Unit in India are promoting it.

Flag without Colors

The Indian Tricolor ranks amongst one of the most beautiful flags in the world. But we bet that the Indian citizens would feel the same admiration towards it even though there would be no colors to fill its spirit. Why are we saying this? Because MP Birla Cement, alongside with the creative team at Ogilvy Kolkata, managed to recreate it without using any colors. They poured cement in a specially-designed container and created a full concrete flag. So how can a cement flag be as beautiful as the traditional one, you might ask? Simple: it’s been crafted to be admired especially by people with no or low vision.

Experiencing the national flag is an emotion that every proud citizen wants to feel. Kids with visually impairment definitely feel the same, so there must be a way for them to ‘see’ the flag. And there is. Meet the “Flag Without Colors,” a flag entirely made out of cement, that brings the meaning and joy of its colors and symbols through nothing else than Braille writing system.

This one-of-a-kind Braille flag will be hoisted in various blind schools across the country, inviting the students to actually be part of the 70th Anniversary of the Indian Republic. Check the videos on the left for the reactions of the kids.

Braille Flag

The Braille flag is a fully tactile graphic accompanied with a user key that aides the blind in denoting the orientation, and colors of the American flag's stripes, stars and blue field. It also contains the Pledge of Allegiance in raised print and grades one and two Braille. It was created by Randolph Cabral, president of Kansas Braille Transcription Institute, in Wichita, Kansas, to honor his dad a WWII veteran that lost his sight.

The Braille flag was endorsed by the Blinded Veterans Association during its 61st Annual Convention in Buffalo, New York, in 2006.

Autistic Pride Flag

The infinity symbol represents neurodiversity, the rainbow represents the pride movement. Gold is used by autistic advocates as the chemical symbol for gold is Au (from the Latin aurum). Gold is promoted as an alternative to non-autistic-led groups designating colours such as blue as a symbol for autism. 

The Autistic Empire has released a high-resolution, professionally designed, autistic pride flag under the Creative Commons free culture license permitting any use of this flag, including commercial use, as long as attribution is made to the Autistic Empire (see details below). 

#FlagWithoutColours, MP Birla Cement, 2019

Video at Seva Mandir School, Indore on 70th Anniversary of the Indian Republic

Lightning Bolt Disability Pride Flag

Disability Pride Flag created by Ann Magill in 2019. This original flag featured a lightning bolt design and bright colors on a black background. 

Disability Pride

As long as the mind is enslaved, the body can never be free

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Disability Pride is an event that celebrates people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Disability Pride is broadly defined as accepting and honoring each person's uniqueness, seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity, and connecting it to the more significant movement for disability justice. It also seeks to change how people think about and define disability, to the stigma of disability, and promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people with disabilities can take pride. Disability Pride Month occurs in the U.S. every July to commemorate the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passing in July 1990. Disability Pride is also celebrated in other countries around the world at varying times of the year.

In 2015, New York City Mayor de Blasio declared the month of July as Disability Pride Month in honor of the Americans With Disabilities Act's 25th anniversary. 

What is Disability Pride, What Does it Mean?

People with disabilities are the largest and most diverse minority within the population representing all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. Disability Pride has been defined as accepting and honoring each person's uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. Disability Pride is integral to movement building and a direct challenge to systemic ableism and stigmatizing definitions of disability.

Many times, people think about a disability as a medical diagnosis. "My disability is a spinal cord injury" or "my disability is depression" or "my disability is a brain injury." Disability is more than just the physical and mental effects on the body; disability is more than the pills you take or the doctor you visit. It's a part of who you are. However, a disability is not your only identity; of course, you have others, such as being male or female, black or white, short or tall; each is important. And each one we should never be ashamed of. Negative attitudes about people with disabilities need to change.

Disability Pride is a Fairly New Concept

Like other minorities, people with physical and developmental disabilities speak about the pride they feel within their community. People with disabilities need to be proudly visible in the community.

The disability pride movement wants to present people with disabilities as full citizens and respect. Using bold images and strong words, Disability Pride awareness dates, parades, and festivals uplift and challenge.

Positive thinking and attitudes will help people with disabilities achieve real goals. Pride comes from celebrating our heritage, disability culture, the unique experiences we have as people with disabilities, and the contributions we can give to society.

Disability rights movements in different countries have made many gains in the area of civil rights over the past decade, but what good is an Americans with Disabilities Act or a Disability Discrimination Act if people will not exercise their rights under these laws because they are too ashamed to identify as being disabled 

As long as people with disabilities remain ashamed of who we are, we will never realize the true equality and freedom we desire. We must first take pride in ourselves as a community. We must no longer be ashamed of being disabled.

Disability Pride Flag

The new (2021) Disability Pride Flag is an evolution of the Lightning Bolt Disability Pride Flag, which is safer for people with visually-triggered disabilities. The color brightness changes also make the flag more accessible to those with color blindness. The new Disability Pride Flag is a charcoal grey flag bisected diagonally from the top left corner to the lower right corner by five parallel stripes in red, pale gold, pale grey, light blue, and green. The Disability Pride Flag comprises several different elements, each symbolizing various aspects of the disability experience (check left).

Disability Pride Week

Disability Pride Week is an annual event to promote visibility, and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities within their community. It marks a break from traditional concepts of disabilities as shameful conditions, which were often hidden from public spaces and mainstream awareness.

The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston, MA, in 1990. Disability Pride Week events often combine the celebration of "disability culture" with educational events, such as seminars on legal rights for people with disabilities, accessibility awareness, and other similar topics.

Disability Pride Parades

Disability Pride Parades are held to celebrate people with disabilities. Disability Pride Parades seek to change the way people think about and define disability, end the stigma of disability, and promote the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.

The United States first Disability Pride Parade was held in Chicago in 2004.

Today, Disability Pride Parades have been held in several places across the United States, including Silicon Valley/Santa Clara County, Chicago, Philadelphia, Colorado Springs, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, New Jersey, and Columbus, as well as around the world in locations such as South Korea, Norway, and the U.K.

Disability Culture

Today, people with disabilities are emerging as artists, writers, and performers with something new to say about the experience of being disabled. The culture and media these artist/activists are producing has come to be collectively called Disability Culture.

Disability culture is about visibility and self-value. As with many groups in society, recognition by others only comes with self-awareness within the group of the group's differences and strengths. Disability culture offers ways for people with different disabilities to pursue their own and shared goals.

There is a tremendous need to create a counter-culture that teaches new values and beliefs and acknowledges the dignity and worth of all human beings. Disability pride is a direct response to this need."


- Sarah Triano, National Disabled Students Union

Awareness by Entertainment Industry

In India Bollywood has started sending very strong positive messages about disability through the movies made in the last two decades and a very special Satyamev Jayate TV show has been aired.

Bollywood Movies with Disabled Characters

At Ability Foundation, it has always been our passion to bridge the divide between persons with and without disabilities and sensitise people at large. AbilityFest - India International Disability Film Festival is a biennial event. 

It started in 2005 and has been held 8 times till 2019.

A recurrent theme has, for a long time, been that disability is a punishment for misdeeds of the past - result of sin from earlier births!!!

Bollywood and Disability

Movies covered here are linked to their IMDB presence for authentic information. In addition, each has a Wikipedia page with the associated story that can be easily looked up. Many of these movies are available from YouTube, but we avoid putting those links for copyright issues. Most would also be available with Netflix or Amazon Prime subscriptions.

Non-Hindi movies, primarily from the South Industry, have not been covered here primarily for the lack of specific regional language understanding

Progressive Bollywood

Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood, has been greatly sensitive in portraying characters with disabilities - showing their plight, struggle in life, and often the indomitable spirit to win over odds. It has been a wonderful journey for awareness of various types of disabilities. The trend of using cinema to draw the attention of the audience to the reality of disabilities have increased over the decades as can be seen from the compilation of 40 well-known Bollywood films given here (with the disabilities mentioned) starting from Jeevan Naiya in 1936. There has been a distinct shift in the portrayal of disability with better sensitivity and empathetic focus on the disabled since about 2000. More than 60% of these movies presented here have been produced from 2005 onwards when the first India International Disability Film Festival was held in Chennai spreading significant awareness about the role of cinema on the issues of the disabled.

In the past two decades a lot of analysis has been done to under the screen portrayal of characters as disabled. These portrayals have been classified grossly as:

For an in-depth understanding for these, refer to various publications under the "Further Readings" below.

While Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Deafblindness, and Deaf-Mute have dominated the themes, there have been excellent productions on lesser known disabilities like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer's Disease, and varied forms of Amnesia.

Retrograde Bollywood

It must also be noted that all have not been as sensitive or responsible, and there have often been retrograde portrayal of the disabled - used the comic impression in the most humiliating way.

For a long time, whether it is a speech impediment or a mental illness, these roles have become something to be mocked of, or as a figure of fun in Hindi cinema. Conjuring up metaphors and analogies relating to disabled people is an insensitive potshot at best, a cruel portrayal of a section of the society at worst. 

We draw attention to a few such derogatory films:

Sources

Further reading (Hollywood)

For retrograde Bollywood in 2022, check below:

2022: Laal Singh Chaddha and Shabaash Mithu

Complaint filed against 'Laal...', 'Shabaash Mithu' for 'ridiculing' disability community

by Anmol Sharma / 06:48 pm on 24 Aug 2022,Wednesday

Dr Satendra Singh, Co-founder of Doctors with Disabilities, has filed a complaint against 'Laal Singh Chaddha' and 'Shabaash Mithu' for "ridiculing and mocking" the entire disability community. The complaint was filed with the Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. As per Satendra, the court has issued a notice to the makers of the two films on his complaint.

Aadmi, 1968

Remake of Aalayamani (Temple bell) in Tamil, 1962

Physical Disability

Aankhen, 2002

Adaptation a play Andhalo Pato (Blindman's Buff) in Gujarati

Visual Impairment

Books, Movies and TV Shows with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters

CODA is a 2021 coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Sian Heder. An English-language remake of the 2014 French-Belgian film La Famille Bélier, it stars Emilia Jones as the titular child of deaf adults (CODA) and only hearing member of a deaf family, who attempts to help her family's struggling fishing business, while pursuing her own aspirations of being a singer. Eugenio Derbez, Troy Kotsur, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Daniel Durant, and Marlee Matlin are featured in supporting roles. 

CODA won three Oscars at the 94th Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Kotsur), and Best Adapted Screenplay, becoming the first film produced and/or distributed by a streaming service and the first starring predominantly deaf actors to win Best Picture. 

In this reality series DEAF U, a tight-knit group of Deaf and hard of hearing students share their stories and explore life at Gallaudet University.

Books with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters


From memoirs of growing up deaf to epic fantasies and nail-biting thrillers, these books offer mirrors and windows into the lives of kids and teens who have hearing loss. Reading these books can promote understanding, compassion, and tolerance among hearing readers -- as well as give kids who are deaf and hard of hearing a chance to see relatable characters through compelling stories. 

Movies and TV Shows with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters


For kids who are deaf or hard of hearing, seeing characters like them represented on-screen can have a powerful impact on their self-esteem. And watching movies about characters who experience hearing loss can help build understanding, compassion, and inclusivity among hearing viewers. These movies and TV shows feature characters with some sort of hearing loss, whether they communicate by speaking or using American Sign Language (ASL). 

Satyamev Jayate TV show

Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs) is an Indian television talk show aired on various channels within Star Network along with Doordarshan's DD National. The first season of the show premiered on 6 May 2012 and marked the television debut of popular Bollywood actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan.

The show focused on sensitive social issues. It aims to bring the great achievements of people which often go unnoticed in order to encourage the audience to achieve their goals no matter what comes in between. While the primary language of the show is Hindi, it is simulcast in eight languages such as Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu, and subtitled in English, to ensure maximum reach.

The sixth episode focused on the social problems faced by those with disabilities.

India has to decide whether it wants the crores of people with disabilities to stay at home, or to be a part of the mainstream and contribute to the economy.

In the show, Aamir highlighted the hardships faced by the disabled who even today continue to struggle for their basic rights. People with disabilities are no different from regular people when it comes to the zeal and appreciation for life. You may watch the full episode, or specific interactions below:

* My biggest problem is not my disability, but the infrastructural disability of my country.

* There is risk in everything. If risk were not there in life, there would be no insurance company.

* Don't think you are less in anything, and understand your responsibilities - don't take the world for granted

* World is going to be kind and cruel to everyone and that is how it should be

* Always put your child to a regular school

* In school, I was as straight as a jilabi

* Technology is not my eyes, it is an extension to the Brain

* People (who don't let the disabled children go to regular school) have disabled mindset

* If the school says that a child is not good for our school, the school actually is not good for the child

* When a child is born, it cries and world laughs, but when a disabled child is born, the world cries but the child laughs not knowing the reality

* Sachin Tendulkar is differently-abled than Rahul Dravid, and Manmohan Singh is is differently-abled than both of them 

* We are disabled. What is wrong? I am very proud being blind.

* I have a complaint with Bollywood. It shows blind only as a beggar or as a singer. Why? Can't there be a blind leader?

* Blindness does not mean end of life. It means beginning of another golden life.

* Biggest disability is negative attitude, not your physicality

Advocacy

Disability advocacy speaks to the fundamental needs, rights and interests of people with disability. Advocacy is important because your voice is important. Be heard.

What is Disability Advocacy?

Disability advocacy is acting, speaking or writing to promote, protect and defend the rights of people with disability. 

Advocacy helps people with disability facing complex challenges, people who cannot advocate for themselves, or don’t have family, friends or peers who can support them in an informal capacity. Disability advocates can advocate for themselves or another person or group, to ensure choice and control is maintained and the person they are supporting has their voice heard.

Types of Disability Advocacy

There are different types of disability advocacy as followed in different countries. The representative types are:

Why is disability advocacy so important?

Disability advocacy is important to bring about required changes in public policies and laws; gubernatorial funding; creation of appropriate infrastructure; establishments of rights for the persons with disability; attention of media, judiciary, legislation, and politicians; mainstreaming the persons with disability in the development of the nation. 

Advocacy provides assistance and support to ensure that:

Source

Advocacy viz-a-viz Activism

To be an activist is to speak. To be an advocate is to listen. Society can’t move forward without both.

Eva Lewis, advocate and activist

When the aim is to influence public policy – we need to be clear about the difference between activism and advocacy. Generally, advocacy and activism are tools that are used to create social and political change.

Advocacy is often thought of as an act of publicly representing an individual, organization, or idea and used as an umbrella term for many intervention tools.  It can include active lobbying, including methods such as: letter writing, meeting politicians, running public forums, questions in parliament, participating in various consultative processes.

Activism, on the other hand, often has a less favorable reputation even though by definition, it can be viewed as a form of advocacy.  Activism is described as taking direct action to achieve a political or social goal.  ‘Activism’ can be a negative concept based on how activism is perceived and how activists are depicted in the media.

Advocacy is often seen as working within the system whereas Activism is seen as working outside the system to generate change. 

Source

Disability Advocacy in India: Milestones

The evolution of the Disability Advocacy or Disability Rights Movement (DRM) or Disability Activism in India spans nearly five decades. Voices began demanding the rights of people with disabilities in the early 1970s; it was, however, nowhere close to being a movement at that point. 

Over time it gained momentum and started actively influencing gubernatorial policies and funding, creation of appropriate infrastructure, establishments of rights for the PwD, attention of media and politicians, and broad societal change for a positive outlook towards disability. Here are some of milestones through this period.

Source

Further reading

Guiding Principles of the Convention

There are eight guiding principles that underlie the Convention and each one of its specific articles:

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights treaty of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Parties to the convention are required to promote, protect, and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities and ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy full equality under the law. The Convention serves as a major catalyst in the global disability rights movement enabling a shift from viewing persons with disabilities as objects of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards viewing them as full and equal members of society, with human rights. The convention was the first U.N. human rights treaty of the twenty-first century.

Backgrounder: Disability Treaty Closes a Gap in Protecting Human Rights

There are seven landmark United Nations human rights treaties that protect the rights of women, children, migrant workers and others, but until the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force on 3 May 2008, there has been no specific global treaty addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, the world’s largest minority. 

While many contended that existing treaties covered persons with disabilities along with everybody else, it was clear that without a legally binding treaty that spelled out their rights, persons with disabilities faced being legally “invisible” in their societies and even in the international arena. The result has been that persons with disabilities continue to face major hurdles and discriminatory practices in their daily lives.

About 650 million people in the world – or about 10 per cent of the total world population – experience various forms of disabilities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Eighty per cent of persons with disabilities – more than 400 million people – live in poor countries, the least equipped to address their needs. All over the world, persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in their participation in society and lower standards of living.

Guiding Principles of the Convention

There are eight guiding principles that underlie the Convention and each one of its specific articles:

“I want the United Nations to lead by example and invite you to join me in moving decisively to achieve the goals of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy." -UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES

Disability Inclusion Strategy: UN

When we secure the rights of persons with disabilities, we move our world closer to upholding the core values and principles of the United Nations Charter.

The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations: peace and security, human rights, and development.

The Strategy enables the UN system to support the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other international human rights instruments

A Strategy for Action

The Strategy includes a policy and an accountability framework, with benchmarks to assess progress and accelerate change on disability inclusion. The policy establishes a vision and commitment for the United Nations system on the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Three Key Approaches to Guide our Work

The strategy is based on three over-arching approaches to achieve disability inclusion:

Four Core Areas of Responsibility

Activists and Organizations in Advocacy and Awareness

(The) Centre for Internet and Society (CIS)

The Centre for Internet and Society (CIS) is a non-profit organization that undertakes interdisciplinary research on internet and digital technologies from policy and academic perspectives. The areas of focus include:

The research at CIS seeks to understand the reconfiguration of social processes and structures through the internet and digital media technologies, and vice versa.

Through its diverse initiatives, CIS explores, intervenes in, and advances contemporary discourse and regulatory practices around internet, technology, and society in India, and elsewhere.

Global Action on Disability Network (GLAD Network)

The Global Action on Disability Network is a coordination body of bilateral and multilateral donors and agencies, public and private foundations as well as key coalitions of the disability movement with a common interest in achieving inclusive international development and humanitarian action. GLAD members meet at least once every year, and work together guided by the Network Strategic Plan, which indicates a set of common goals and work priorities.

GLAD was launched in London in 2015 by a group of like-minded partners who recognized that to realize the promise to leave no one behind, strategies to include persons with a disability must be adopted across all organizations involved in international development efforts.

Since then, GLAD members work together sharing expertise and coordinating joint actions, guided by the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.

The Five Goals of the GLAD Network

The GLAD Network members are committed to five main goals, as agreed in London, December 2015: 

International Disability Alliance (IDA)

International Disability Alliance (IDA), established in 1999, is an Alliance of 8 global and 6 regional organizations of persons with disabilities. It brings together over 1,100 DPOs and advocates at the United Nations for a more inclusive global environment for everyone. IDA is considered by the United Nations System as the most authoritative representation of persons with disabilities on the global level.

With member organisations around the world, IDA represents the estimated one billion people worldwide living with disabilities. Among them are some of the world’s largest – and most frequently overlooked – marginalized group. With its unique composition, including the foremost international disability rights organizations, 

The cornerstone of our work is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). IDA promotes its effective implementation through coordinated action by representative organizations of persons with disabilities, to ensure compliance of the CRPD at national, regional and international levels. The 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals are also integral to IDA's work to promote sustainable development that is inclusive of persons with disabilities and in line with our fundamental rights. 

At the United Nations

IDA works across the United Nations to make sure its human rights and sustainable development processes uphold the highest standards of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - the CRPD. We also support the UN General Assembly, UN Secretariat and UN agencies—such as UNICEF, the World Bank and the World Health Organization—to help ensure that the human rights of all persons with disabilities are an integral part of their work. Key activities include:

Capacity Building: BRIDGE CRPD-SDG Training

BRIDGE CRPD-SDG is a unique inclusive capacity development initiative between the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), with support from the Disability Rights Fund, with the aim to supporting DPOs activist to develop an inclusive (all persons with disabilities) and comprehensive (all human rights) CRPD perspective on development, including the agenda 2030 and sustainable development goals (SDGs), and to reinforce their advocacy for inclusion and realization of right of persons of persons with disabilities. 

Empowering organisations of persons with disabilities

IDA works to create a more enabling global environment for realizing the rights of persons with disabilities and also works with organizations of persons with disabilities - or 'DPOs' - to utilise this environment and make change directly, from local to global advocacy. 

Our Current Projects

At Country Level

IDA Members work in over 200 countries and territories across the world. IDA works with DPOs to harness international human rights and sustainable development frameworks for their national, regional and global advocacy work.

Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network

The Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network is a coordination body of bilateral and multilateral donors and agencies, the private sector and foundations working to enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in international development and humanitarian action.  

The GLAD Network members work together to take actions consistent with the goals of the Network and the GLAD Network Strategic Plan. The GLAD Network meets at least annually.

Inclusive Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction

Persons with disabilities are among the most marginalized in any crisis-affected community. An estimated 9.7 million persons with disabilities are forcibly displaced as the result of persecution, conflict, violence and other human rights violations. In some cases, morbidity of persons with disabilities in a disaster has been estimated at a rate 4 times higher than those without disabilities. 

IDA works constantly with States Parties and DPOs to mitigate this and achieve the goals of Article 11 – Situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies of UNCRPD

Intersectionalities

The interaction between different factors of stigma and discrimination has been defined as intersectionality, a term proposed in 1989 by race scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw. In her paper Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics, Crenshaw described intersectionality as a lens for seeing the way in which various forms of inequality often operate together and exacerbate each other. This is an approach that persons with disabilities have found deep resonance with, because the barriers they experience are often dependent on the social privileges they are afforded by their identities.

Intersectionalities at IDA’s work

IDA has developed an Intersectionalities strategy to support underrepresented groups and their organizations in building their capacities for full and effective participation.  The primary groups identified for this work include youth, older and indigenous persons with disabilities, persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, as well as persons with deafblindness as they are the most vulnerable to intersectional forms of discrimination.

Global Disability Summit

The first Global Disability Summit (GDS18), held in 2018 in London, was a historical moment for disability inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities. GDS18 generated an unprecedented level of focus on and commitment to disability-inclusive development. GDS2022 was built on the results achieved at the first Summit, to further accelerate much-needed progress towards the fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide. 

The International Disability Alliance, the Government Norway and the Government of Ghana hosted the second Global Disability Summit on 15 - 17 February 2022 (GDS2022). The Summit was held virtually due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and to allow for wider participation.  

IDA celebrates the launch of #WeThe15

The International Disability Alliance, the International Paralympic Committee together with international partners are leading the #WeThe15 campaign. The first part of the campaign starts on 19 August 2021 and goes until 5 September 2021 – to the end of the Paralympics.

This 10-year campaign aims to be the biggest ever human rights movement to end discrimination against persons with disabilities and transform the lives of 1.2 billion people. #WeThe15 has brought together a large coalition of international organizations from the world of sport, human rights, policy, business, culture, and entertainment to initiate change for the world’s largest marginalized group who make up 15% of the global population. 

International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC)

International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), established in 1994, is a global consortium of disability and development related organizations. The aim of IDDC is to promote inclusive development internationally, with a special focus on promoting human rights for all disabled people living in economically poor communities in lower and middle-income countries.

IDDC's work is primarily led by task groups where members collaborate to exchange views and ideas, and agree upon common strategies and positions. These task groups are thus fundamental to the implementation of the IDDC objectives.

International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

International Paralympic Committee was founded on 22 September 1989 as an international non-profit organization. IPC is an athlete-centered organization headquartered in Bonn, Germany since 1999. Its primary responsibilities are to support 200 plus members develop Para sport and advocate social inclusion, ensure the successful delivery and organization of the Paralympic Games and act as the international federation for 10 Para sports.

Vision

Make for an inclusive world through Para sport

Mission

To lead the Paralympic Movement, oversee the delivery of the Paralympic Games and support members to enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence.

The first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960 

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is the body responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at the Paralympic Games and other international athletic meets and for managing the Indian teams at the events.

The organization was founded in 1992 as the Physically Handicapped Sports Federation of India by M. Mahadeva along with others for the promotion and development of sports for persons with disabilities.

The objectives of this organization is to promote sports for the disabled in India. Its aims included: identifying disabled athletes throughout India, imparting necessary training to them and preparing them to take part in State, National and International Sports meets.

PCI is affiliated to IPC and has been given public authority status by the RTI Act of 2005.

The voice of an "invisible minority" - Javed Abidi, YourStory, 2014

In 1993, he started working for the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation's disabilities Unit. Javed accepted the offer because, "quitting journalism would not harm the industry, but refusing the offer would mean turning my back on so many things that I was angry about--not my disability, but the attitude of people to my disability," he says

Javed Abidi

Javed Abidi (11 June 1965 - 4 March 2018) was an Indian activist who served as the director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in India, and the founder of the Disability Rights Group.

Sources:

He was a multifaceted man, who I believe, knew that he had been sent into this world to make the lives of others easier. It is because of him today that many people with disabilities have a sense of pride and ownership over their own lives; they can work on changing their destinies by fighting for what is rightfully theirs… I guess he had seen life way too close at a very young age, making him invulnerable to anything anybody threw at him. He would come up with plans to circumvent the slightest inconvenience but was equally fine riding his wheelchair over the bumps and cracks of life when he had to. At his core, he was a changemaker, a leader.”

- Shameer Rishad, nephew of Javed Abidi and founder of Javed Abidi Foundation

Young Shameer and his uncle Javed Abidi

Javed Abidi Foundation (JAF)

Javed Abidi Foundation (JAF) wishes to imbibe, protect and propagate among youth the “never say never” spirit of Javed Abidi, raising the bar for advocacy on non discrimination and access to information and services 

Javed Abidi was one of the pioneers in creating a cross-disability movement in India, encouraging people with different disabilities to work on common and collective solutions. He passed away in 2018, but the light that he shone and the memory of his passionate activism is fondly cherished by individuals not only in the disability space but across India.

His nephew, 21-year-old Shameer Rishad, is honoring his legacy by taking his work forward through the launch of ‘The Javed Abidi Foundation’ (JAF).

Launched in March 2019, JAF aims to effectively implement the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (RPWD) Act of 2016, which was one of Abidi’s unfinished agendas. Further, the foundation strives to bring youth together, foster friendships, and create a community where individuals and youth with disabilities know their rights. It trains them to be young leaders in the disability space, and effectively enable change.

Sources:

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled PeopleE-150, Ground Floor East of Kailash, New Delhi 110065
+91 11-26221276 / 26221277 / 49122868secretariat@ncpedp.orgsecretariat.ncpedp@gmail.com

Awardees of 22nd NCPEDP-Mindtree Helen Keller Awards 2021

Category A: Role Model Person with Disabilities

Jury Award (Special Mention)

Category B: Role Model Supporter of Increased Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Category C: Role Model Companies / NGOs / Institutions

New Category: Role Model Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP)

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) is a cross-disability, non-profit organization, working as an interface between the government, industry, international agencies, and the voluntary sector towards empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Vision

A society where people with disabilities are equal members leading dignified lives through economic independence.

Mission

To promote equality for people with disabilities in all spheres of life through research and advocacy around:

By putting the rights of people with disabilities at the heart of everything we do, NCPEDP aims to empower people with disabilities through appropriate legislation, encouraging employment of people with disabilities, creating awareness on disability issues, and promoting accessibility in public spaces, products, services and technologies.


NCPEDP has a pan India presence through the National Disability Network (NDN). Formed in 1999, NDN has members from the majority of States and Union Territories of the country.


NCPEDP has also constituted the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (NCRPD) consisting of disability sector leaders and experts from across the country, that meet at regular intervals to discuss ongoing pertinent issues concerning people with disabilities and to plan a  viable strategy to address their issues.


For the last 25 years, NCPEDP has been advocating for viewing the issues of disabled people with a rights-based approach and equality and gender-based lens; subsequently moving away from traditionally held views of charity and welfare. Since 1996, NCPEDP has successfully advocated for several policies that have positively impacted the lives of thousands of people with disabilities.


NCPEDP aims to work with the Government, Industry, International Agencies, NGOs, DPOs, as well as, directly with people with disabilities including children and youth to holistically engage and influence policy and public opinion.

Working with a post-CRPD mandate, NCPEDP aims to review and synchronize national legislation to be in line with the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

NCPEDP – Javed Abidi Fellowship on Disability

NCPEDP – Javed Abidi Fellowship on Disability, supported by Azim Premji Foundation is a three-year immersive leadership development programme for youth with disabilities looking to build a career in the development sector particularly Disability Rights and Inclusion, and with a focus on policy and practice. The fellowship programme seeks to give an opportunity to youth with disabilities to delve into and voice issues faced by persons with disabilities at the grassroots with the support of local civil society organizations across India. The first set of fellows are:

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated every year on 3rd December since 1992. Proclaimed and promoted by the United Nations, this international observance is marked the world over to intensify efforts aimed at sustained effective action with a view to improving the situation of persons with disabilities. For India which is home to over 70 million people with disabilities, with few rights, few entitlements, and even fewer opportunities, this day assumes a greater significance, creating visibility and awareness on the issues faced by people with different disabilities before a larger audience.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities’21, NCPEDP plans to launch its ambitious ‘Missing Millions Campaign’ through it would like to continue its advocacy work, initially for a period of three years.

What does the campaign do?

Disability is almost always largely absent from data & statistics and monitoring mechanisms. The invisibility of persons with disabilities in the mainstream development narrative has ‘resulted in development interventions unintentionally leaving out persons with disabilities. Policy makers and practitioners tend to leave out persons with disabilities due to the unavailability of data.

The UN Expert Group on Disability Data and Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation finds that ‘data disaggregated by disability in all areas will be essential to ensure progress is measured and persons with disabilities are not left behind in future mainstream development programmes.

NCPEDP’s Missing Million Campaign will implement a national advocacy and awareness-raising campaign across India through the activities which will equally focus on Urban and Rural regions of the country.

How can you get involved?

Through the ‘Missing Millions Campaign’, we aim to attract an audience of 40,000-50,000 to join us and be part of the Campaign. The Campaign will be pan India and aims to benefit 5,00,000-10,00,000 people over a period of three years.

Come join us and be part of the ‘Missing Million Campaigns‘. Be a changemaker by being a part of our campaign and support us amplify its impact at different levels!

The NCPEDP-Mindtree Helen Keller Awards

The Helen Keller Awards started in 1999 as a result of the findings of a survey conducted of the Top 100 Companies of India by  NCPEDP. The results showed that the average percentage of employment of people with disabilities was as follows: 

The objective of the NCPEDP Helen Keller Awards was to start a discourse on equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in the area of employment at a time when no one was even thinking about it. This is 6th year of The NCPEDP- Mindtree Helen Keller Awards covering four categories:

Role of the State Partner

Major achievements of the Networks are:

National Disability Network (NDN)

There are about 3000 organisations (Government and voluntary) in the Indian disability sector providing rehabilitation services to persons with disability. However, the focus of their work has been on service delivery at an individual level. Very little has happened in the sector to empower disabled people, their families and friends and to promote & protect the human rights of disabled people. Disability has for long been seen as merely a charity/welfare issue and not as a development/rights issue in our country.

NCPEDP felt that disabled people and disability groups should be encouraged to take the leadership role in this crusade. Thus was born the idea of forming the ‘National Disability Network’, the first of its kind in India.

Mission

The aim of the National Disability Network is that the cross-disability rights movement is spread equitably across the entire country, and there is an environment of empathy towards the rights and the needs of persons with disability. The mission of the National Disability Network is to have at least one disability organisation / disability group in all the 593 Districts of our country as part of the Network.

Objectives

India is an active members of the United Nations Volunteer Programme and regularly deputes volunteers as per the programme, more than 1800 Indian’s have worked under the United Nations in many Countries. Rupmani Chhetri has been India’s representative as International United Nations Volunteer - (Advocacy Specialist on Disability) from 20-Mar-2017 to 20-Mar-2018 at Kyiv, Ukraine. She is also an executive member of the National Association for the Deaf (NAD)

What makes Rupmani different from the other Indians who are also serving as Volunteers? Rupmani Chhetri is Hearing and Speech Impaired. 

Born in Nepal, her parents moved to Darjeeling India, when she was 6 month’s old, her parents did not realize that she had a hearing loss, nor the teachers in her school realized her impairment. Her parents took her to priests and quacks to seek hearing loss treatment. Rupmani was the only child with a disability as her 2 younger siblings were normal. Her father stopped taking interest in her and refused to pay her school fees. She also worked as a manual labourer on daily wages. All this disgusted her and she found an escape in a Delhi based Hearing Impaired man. Rupmani thought that the man whom she married will understand her and she will not be discriminated against, unfortunately, the marriage did not work out and she went through very difficult times getting a divorce from him.

Rupmani feels that India has a long way to go and is lagging behind in being disable friendly. Her advice to the parents of the kids who are differently abled is 

Just empower them and help them believe in themselves. There is no need for sympathy. They can achieve anything. Just remove the ‘im’ from impossible.”

Rupmani now is the Deaf Engagement & Marketing Manager at SignAble

Sources:

VID 20190130 WA0005 2, Deafblind International, 2019

Zamir Dhale, the Founder of Society For The Empowerment Of The DeafBlind (SEDB) India. SEDB aims to empower persons with Deafblindness and Deafness  with quality in education, training, assistive technologies and employment opportunities.

Society for the Empowerment of the Deafblind,  India (SEDB)

EDB aims to empower persons with Deafblindness and Deafness with quality in education, training, assistive technologies and employment opportunities. They advocate for their Rights, and for policies and services that help ensure they have equal access to all facilities as citizens of the country. 

A rare disability, deafblindness combines degrees of hearing and visual impairments. People with deafblindness face challenges of both communication and mobility and as such experience far greater neglect and discrimination. They are denied access to the most basic rights, something the Society for Empowerment of the Deafblind is trying to highlight.

Sources:

Works in collaboration with Deafblind International (DbI).

Saurav Ghosh, a person with deafblindness, goes to parties, loves shopping and has a creative streak. He is also deafblind, which makes his story something of an exception.

“With great difficulty, we looked after Saurav at home until he was three years old”, says mother Shipra Ghosh. “But when I went to a special school for deaf children for his education, they refused to take him as he could not follow the blackboard due to poor vision. When I went to a blind school, they said, ‘Sorry, Ma’am, we cannot work with him, because he is not verbal".

Thanks to the Helen Keller Institute for the Deaf and Deafblind in Mumbai, and in depth support at home, Saurav was able to overcome these barriers. Today he works at a NGO where he teaches children from marginalised backgrounds and is independent.

United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

In India since: 1999

About: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV works with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is active in around 130 countries every year. With Field Presence in over 80 countries, UNV is represented worldwide. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and reports to the UNDP Executive Board.

Location: New Delhi

Focus Areas: Youth; Women empowerment; Access to Justice for marginalized; Physical and Mental Health; Disability; Child protection; Education; Community Resilience to Climate Change & Disaster Risks; Nature conservation and biodiversity;  Good Governance; The Post-2015 Agenda;  Support in refugee status determination and protection;

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Flagship Publication/s:  UNV Annual Report, State of World Volunteerism Report, Sustainable Development Goals: Information and guidance for volunteer organizations.

Website: http://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/operations/UNV

Contact Us:

Rupmani Chhetri, who is deaf and speech impaired, has been India’s representative as International United Nations Volunteer - (Advocacy Specialist on Disability) from 20-Mar-2017 to 20-Mar-2018 at Kyiv, Ukraine.