{"id":128033,"date":"2024-08-26T19:26:18","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T13:56:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/?post_type=editorial-analysis&#038;p=128033"},"modified":"2025-03-03T11:32:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T06:02:27","slug":"investing-in-persons-with-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"editorial-analysis","link":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/investing-in-persons-with-disabilities","title":{"rendered":"Investing in Persons With Disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The recent Hindi movie <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Srikanth<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, starring Rajkummar Rao, portrays the inspiring story of Srikanth Bolla, an industrialist who triumphs over visual impairment. In the film, Srikanth&#8217;s family faces pressure from the villagers, discouraging them from investing in his education or future. This scenario highlights a broader societal issue, where many parents of children with disabilities are made to believe that their children are not worth the investment in their growth and potential.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Challenges Faced by PwDs<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Social Stigma<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Persons with disabilities (PwDs) often encounter stigma and marginalisation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Discrimination: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with disabilities often face significant discrimination in education and employment. In the movie, for example, Srikanth Bolla is <\/span><b>denied admission to the science stream due to his visual impairment, despite his strong academic performance and determination. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This instance reflects a broader issue where individuals with disabilities are frequently unjustly excluded from opportunities based on prejudiced assumptions about their capabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Struggle for Dignity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: PwDs frequently struggle to maintain their dignity amidst these challenges.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Educational Institutions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Institutions often lack the necessary infrastructure and support mechanisms to adequately support students with disabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Workplaces<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Workplaces frequently lack robust diversity policies, resulting in insufficient representation and support for persons with disabilities (PwDs).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pw.live\/batches\/upsc\/pw-only-ias?utm_source=seo+upsc+batch&#038;utm_medium=seo+upsc&#038;utm_campaign=seo&#038;utm_id=upsc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Status of Education and Jobs for PwDs<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Employment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>2023 Report<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: According to a <\/span><b>2023 report by Nifty 50 companies,<\/b> <b>only five out of 50 companies employ more than 1% persons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with disabilities (PwDs), with four of these being public sector companies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Legislative Mandates<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Despite legislative mandates for reservations and equal opportunity policies for PwDs, many employers have not fully implemented these measures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Model Example<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><b>Brazil\u2019s model <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">requires companies with <\/span><b>over 100 employees to ensure PwDs make up 2%-5% of the workforce, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with fines for non-compliance. Japan offers subsidies to employers of PwDs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Accessibility Issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Data from the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People shows that:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less than 1% of educational institutions are disabled-friendly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less than 40% of school buildings have ramps.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About 17% have accessible restrooms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Sarthak Educational Trust Report<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The report highlights that while the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandates reservations and incentives, implementation is lacking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Need for Inclusive Framework<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Indian education system needs a more inclusive framework similar to:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b>Harvard University<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Local Disability Coordinators assist PwDs with accommodations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b>Stanford University<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Provides support in housing, devices, and has a comprehensive resource centre for PwDs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Current Initiatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b>Shiv Nadar University (2023)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It offers personalised support based on the student\u2019s disability, but measures are not institutionalised and lack uniformity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b>UGC Guidelines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The University Grants Commission has draft guidelines for accessible formats in admissions, but the presence of PwDs in higher education remains low.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><b>The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, replaces the 1995 Act and aligns with the UNCRPD, expanding the definition to include 21 types of disabilities.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"4\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It <\/span><b>defines a person with a disability <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">as someone with a long-term impairment that hinders full societal participation, and includes those with high support needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"4\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Act also <\/span><b>empowers the government to add more <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">categories of disabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 16pt;\"><b>Recommendations<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Investments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Public and private institutions should invest in infrastructure and policies to support PwDs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Compliance Mechanisms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:Incentives and penalties can drive better adherence to disability inclusion policies. Japan, for instance, has developed a <\/span><b>system of subsidiaries for employees who have some form of disability.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Striving for Dignity<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Historical and Societal Portrayal of Disabled People<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>David Hevey&#8217;s Observation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">British artist David Hevey highlighted that the portrayal of disabled people (PwDs) has historically been oppressive and negative. PwDs have often been depicted as socially flawed able-bodied people, rather than as individuals with their own unique identities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Sociologist Colin Barnes&#8217;s Argument: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sociologist Colin Barnes argues that PwDs are often portrayed as objects of pity, violence, curiosity, and ridicule. They are seen as burdens on society, sexually abnormal, and incapable of community participation. This negative portrayal influences societal attitudes towards PwDs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Erosion of Identity:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Negative Perceptions: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PwDs are frequently viewed as pitiful or helpless. There is a common misconception that PwDs can only form relationships with one another. Additionally, the intersection of disability with other factors such as caste or gender can create a compounded burden on individuals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Example of Stigmatization: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The recent mockery of PwDs by former cricketers in a viral video after India won the World Championship of Legends highlights the persistent stigmatization and lack of respect for PwDs. This mockery reflects the broader societal failure to treat PwDs with dignity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bridging the Gap:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Abhishek Anicca&#8217;s Perspective: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In his book, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Grammar of My Body<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Abhishek Anicca reflects on the negative perceptions of disabled people, noting that the able-bodied often fail to understand or reach out to PwDs. He emphasizes that it is the responsibility of those who create the distance to bridge the gap and foster understanding and respect.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"vc_button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To fully integrate persons with disabilities (PwDs) into society, India needs to enhance both educational and workplace inclusivity through improved infrastructure and effective policies. Adopting global best practices and ensuring robust implementation of legislative mandates are crucial for fostering equal opportunities. Investment in supportive frameworks and compliance mechanisms will be key to achieving meaningful progress for PwDs.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 99.8294%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 138.92%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\" colspan=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Must Read<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Daily Editorials<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 88.3839%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/daily-current-affairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Daily Current Affairs<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-textbooks?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Textbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 88.3839%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-modules?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Modules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books\/upsc-previous-year-papers?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+Previous+Year+Papers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 88.3839%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/upsc-test-series-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UPSC Test Series 2024<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50.5357%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Current Affairs Quiz<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 88.3839%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/mains-answer-writing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Main Answer Writing<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 138.92%; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;\" colspan=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.pw.live\/govt-entrance-exams\/upsc-books?utm_source=SEO&#038;utm_medium=PW+Live&#038;utm_campaign=UPSC+CSE+Books\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The recent Hindi movie Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao, portrays the inspiring story of Srikanth Bolla, an industrialist who triumphs over visual impairment. In the film, Srikanth&#8217;s family faces pressure from the villagers, discouraging them from investing in his education or future. This scenario highlights a broader societal issue, where many parents of children with disabilities&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/editorial-analysis\/investing-in-persons-with-disabilities\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Investing in Persons With Disabilities<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":128327,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"paper-wise":[2084],"subject":[2124],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/editorial-analysis\/128033"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/editorial-analysis"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/editorial-analysis"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128033"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/editorial-analysis\/128033\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":128330,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/editorial-analysis\/128033\/revisions\/128330"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/128327"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128033"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=128033"},{"taxonomy":"paper-wise","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/paper-wise?post=128033"},{"taxonomy":"subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject?post=128033"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}