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The enrollment ratio of #ChildrenWithDisabilities in government schools is only 0.89%, meaning there is less than one Child with a Disability per 100 students without disabilities. UDISE data from 2018-19 to 2021-22 shows a downward trend in the enrollment of children with disabilities across upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels, with an average fall of 35% as we progress through higher years of schooling. Children and Persons with Disabilities are prone to exclusion right from their birth, and the situation only worsens. People challenging disability reservations need to understand the foundational principles behind #reservations in India. The concept of reservations is rooted in the need to address historical injustices and systemic discrimination faced by marginalised communities, including #PeopleWithDisabilities. Bureaucratic incompetence, corruption and the issue of fake certificates should not become reasons to question the legitimacy of disability quotas. Reservations for #PeopleWithDisabilities are a step towards rectifying long-standing injustices! #DisabilityInclusion #EqualOpportunities #SocialJustice

To read more of my interview for the Godrej DEi Lab with Arman Ali, the Executive Director of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, click on the post below and swipe through the PDF. #DisabilityRights #Employment #EqualOpportunities #DEI

Empowering the Disabled in India Persons with Disabilities (PwD) face severe difficulty and discrimination in their daily lives. Article 41 of the Indian Constitution ensures that people with disability have equal access and rights in terms of accessibility, education and employment. In order to be a truly inclusive society it is imperative that the Government focuses to provide and improve the key challenges faced by PwDs (Divyangjan as termed by our Hon’ble Prime Minister) such as lack of mobility, unavailability of assisted devices and technology, lack of access to services, facilities to enhance their socio economic participation and contribution. #india #disability

I am happy to share that I attended the national-level webinar on “Disability Rights and Status of India, Policy & Programs” organized by NIEPMD and approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India. This insightful session highlighted the evolving landscape of disability rights in India, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies that empower individuals with disabilities. Some key takeaways include: • Understanding Legal Frameworks: A deep dive into the various laws and policies designed to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in India. • Policy Implementation Challenges: A closer look at the gaps between policy and practice, and the need for robust mechanisms to ensure effective implementation. • Advocacy and Awareness: The vital role of advocacy in creating a more inclusive society and the importance of awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes. • Collaboration for Change: The necessity of multi-sectoral collaboration, including government, NGOs, and the private sector, to drive meaningful change. This experience has reinforced my commitment to advocating for disability rights and working towards a more equitable and inclusive society. Looking forward to applying these learnings in my professional journey! #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #SocialJustice #ContinuousLearning #MentalHealth

Illiterate, Unemployed, Dependent: That’s the profile of your average disabled person in India. But you can change it   Did you know that there are 2.68 crore (2.21%) people in India have some form of disability? Tragically only 36% of the total disabled persons are working. That means, 1.7 crore disabled are unemployed. The burden of disability on an Indian household is thus huge as one in every two disabled non-workers is dependent on their respective families. And that’s as per Census 2011. That could have very well been my fate. I consider myself fortunate that I am not counted in the “illiterate, unemployed and dependent” category. Thanks to my progressive and brave parents who set us out in the world and let us fall and fall again till we learnt to stand up. While it is imperative that we educate and make every disabled person employable, the bitter truth is that the employability of the disabled is not dependent on their professional qualifications. It depends on your attitude as an employer. Yes, that’s the truth. Organisations today are under pressure to look at the disabled as a potential workforce, as the demand for their inclusion in the DEI framework crescendos. The Government of India as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act 2016) to fulfil its obligations. The act obligates the private sector to join the movement to ensure the mainstreaming and employment of the disabled. But before you hire the disabled, make your organisation ready. “Are you ready to provide them reasonable accommodations?” “Do you have the right attitude, non-discriminatory policies and non-ableist mentality?” “Is your workforce ready to welcome a disabled just as a non-disabled newcomer?” There are many such questions you need to ask. But the best part is that hiring a disabled doesn’t cost you much, it just needs an open culture. And the gains are limited only by an ableist imagination. If you need a checklist to judge your readiness, contact sangita@ashtavakra.co.in /thakurvarmasangita@gmail.com #conversationsarounddisability #disabilityemployment #dei #deiba #HR

In recognition of Disability Pride Month, Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, spoke with Godrej DEi Lab about his impactful journey from Guwahati to becoming a leading advocate for disability rights in India. He shares deep insights into the systemic challenges and transformative opportunities in building an accessible society. From advocating for educational reforms to promoting corporate inclusivity, Arman outlines practical strategies for driving significant change. This conversation, facilitated by Prithvi Vatsalya, offers a critical analysis of how we can collectively advance the rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. Essential reading for policymakers, corporate leaders, and advocates dedicated to fostering an inclusive world. Read the full article here - https://lnkd.in/gE3JjGSb #DisabilityPride #InclusionMatters #NCPEDP #DisabilityRights

Diversity, inclusivity, and equity are an everyday part of Mukuru culture. So, we took the opportunity on International Disability Day to raise awareness, encourage understanding and promote inclusion while dispelling negative perceptions associated with differently-abled people. On every day that follows the day of commemoration, let us use appropriate terminology. We are not "disabled," but rather "differently abled”.  While there is still progress to be made in terms of general terminology, reporting, and labelling, it is important to refer to individuals based on their unique abilities rather than labelling them as disabled. Although it may seem like a minor distinction, it holds significance and respect. At Mukuru, we are dedicated to nurturing a culture of inclusivity and support for every member of our team that goes beyond a commemorative day. To further this commitment, we have decided to launch a voluntary initiative to encourage open and honest communication about disabilities within our workforce.  As we build a place where talent in all forms can call home – lookout for our SunBeamers in 2024! #FosteringInclusivity #differentlyABLED #seepeopleaspeople #whybeordinary #beextraordinary #YourVoiceMatters 

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a PIL seeking reservation for persons with disabilities in the Lok Sabha, asserting that such matters fall within the domain of policy decisions. This decision highlights the complexities surrounding disability representation in electoral processes. For further insights, visit the link to read more: https://lnkd.in/gjC2DrGY #SupremeCourt #DisabilityRights #PolicyVsRights #LokSabha #JudicialIntervention #IndiaLaw #LegalInsights #InclusiveDemocracy #KSK #KSKBlogs #KingStubbandKasiva

Write Right -- while covering people with disabilities The media in general and journalists in particular need to normalise 'disabilities'. It is time they build a database of words, expressions and adjectives that they need to avoid; and use 'respectable, democratic and equitable, inclusive' words and expressions while writing/publishing stories. Though there is a significant improvement over the last 10 years, a lot of ground is yet to be covered. Some takeaways from this discussion yesterday: 1) Journalism Departments should devise exclusive modules to teach the students on how to cover people with disabilities. 2) Conduct workshops to increase awareness. 3) It's no charity or largesse. It is their right to be represented well. Writing Right about disabilities means that one is learning to be democratic and empathetic. 4) People with disabilities are shown in poor light in movies. They are invisible in advertisements, on daises. 5) Using respectable, democratic, sensitive language would give confidence to the parents and kids with disabilities. Kulveen Trehan Kartik Lokhande Arman Ali National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People Dr Navneet Anand