TRANSFORMATIVE ACTION
Every year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed with a unique theme that sheds light on critical aspects of disability inclusion. This year’s theme, ‘Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’, underscores the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to lead efforts toward building a more equitable society.
Disability is a universal and multi-sectoral issue, transcending boundaries of age, gender, and geography. As Thom Shakespeare aptly stated in Disability ‘Rights and Wrongs’, ‘disability is an inevitable part of life, especially as people age’. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 16% of the global population consists of persons with disabilities.
Historically, disability was perceived through the medical model, which narrowly focused on individual impairments and bodily conditions while ignoring the broader social factors that perpetuate exclusion. In contrast, Mike Oliver’s ‘Understanding Disability: From Theory to Practice’ introduced the social model of disability, highlighting that disability is not inherent to the individual but rather a result of societal barriers, attitudes, and structures. For example, the inability of a visually impaired student to use a computer is not their individual problem but a systemic failure of institutions to provide accessible technologies, such as screen readers.
This shift in perspective, from a medical to a social model, has been championed by global agencies such as the United Nations. Over the years, the UN has played a pivotal role in framing disability rights as a human rights issue, through initiatives like the Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons (1975), the International Decade of Disabled Persons (1980s), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2006. These efforts have sought to empower persons with disabilities and transform them from objects of charity into subjects of rights.
The Indian Context: Challenges and Opportunities
In India, where persons with disabilities constitute more than 2% of the population (as per the 2011 Census, with numbers likely increasing by 2024), the theme of leadership and inclusion assumes even greater significance. India has made substantial progress in the disability sector, particularly through the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act, 2016), which aligns with the principles of the UNCRPD.
However, significant gaps remain, especially in the political inclusion of persons with disabilities. Article 29 of the UNCRPD explicitly calls for their political participation, yet India has failed to make concrete efforts to ensure their representation in legislative bodies. As the largest democracy in the world, India should lead by example by fostering political empowerment for persons with disabilities.
A Case for Political Representation
Political representation is not merely a privilege but a necessity for achieving true social inclusion. Imagine visiting a clothing shop with a friend, where you have the knowledge, money, and agency to choose what suits you best. If your friend decides on your behalf without consulting you, how would you feel? Excluded and isolated. This analogy reflects the experiences of many persons with disabilities in India, who are often sidelined in decision-making processes.
The inclusion of persons with disabilities in politics is not only about representation but also about driving systemic change. Political participation allows them to advocate for their rights, influence policymaking, and contribute to the nation’s development.
Recommendations for Inclusive Leadership
To realize the full potential of persons with disabilities in India, a multifaceted approach is needed:
Government Initiatives
- Reserve seats for persons with disabilities in legislative bodies, similar to the model used for the Anglo-Indian community.
- Encourage persons with disabilities to contest elections and provide necessary support to enable their participation.
Role of Political Parties
- Establish disability wings within political parties to nurture leadership among persons with disabilities.
- Actively include leaders with disabilities in party ranks to amplify their voices and influence.
Role of Civil Society and Media
- Non-governmental organizations should support the political aspirations of persons with disabilities through training and advocacy.
- Researchers, scholars, and media professionals should highlight the importance of inclusion and offer solutions for creating an inclusive society.
Responsibility of Persons with Disabilities
- Individuals with disabilities must actively engage in public life by joining political parties, participating in elections, and advocating for their rights. Their involvement is critical for driving change from within.
Conclusion
The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a clarion call for India to address the gaps in inclusion and leadership for persons with disabilities. While progress has been made, much more needs to be done to ensure that their voices are heard in every sphere, especially in politics. Empowering persons with disabilities to lead is not just a matter of representation but a step toward building a truly inclusive and sustainable future.
(Author is Research Scholar at the department of political science Aligarh Muslim University and a social activist. Feedback: [email protected])
