Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)

Awareness and Advocacy

• • What is the definition of differently abled or persons with disabilities (PWD)?

    According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, a person with a disability is defined as someone who has long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment, which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

  • What are the various types of disabilities recognized under international and local laws?

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 covers 21 disabilities. These have been listed below:

    1. Blindness
    2. Low Vision
    3. Leprosy Cured Persons
    4. Hearing Impairment (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
    5. Locomotor Disability
    6. Dwarfism
    7. Intellectual Disability
    8. Mental Illness
    9. Autism Spectrum Disorder
    10. Cerebral Palsy
    11. Muscular Dystrophy
    12. Chronic Neurological Conditions
    13. Specific Learning Disabilities
    14. Multiple Sclerosis
    15. Speech and Language Disability
    16. Thalassemia
    17. Hemophilia
    18. Sickle Cell Disease
    19. Multiple Disabilities (more than one of the above specified disabilities)
    20. Acid Attack Victim
    21. Parkinson’s Disease

  • How can I contribute to disability advocacy efforts in my community?

    Every effort, no matter how small, can contribute to positive change. By actively engaging in disability advocacy efforts, you can help create a more inclusive and compassionate community for everyone. Here are some ways you can get involved and support disability advocacy:

    1. Join disability advocacy organizations: Research and connect with local or national disability advocacy groups in your area. Become a member or volunteer to actively participate in their initiatives and campaigns.
    2. Raise awareness: Organize awareness campaigns and events to educate your community about disability rights, challenges faced by differently abled individuals, and the importance of inclusion.
    3. Promote accessibility: Advocate for increased accessibility in public spaces, buildings, transportation, and digital platforms. Encourage businesses and organizations to make their facilities and services more disability friendly.
    4. Support inclusive education: Work towards ensuring inclusive education for students with disabilities in schools and colleges. Support programs that provide appropriate accommodations and support for their learning needs.
    5. Encourage employment opportunities: Advocate for inclusive hiring practices in businesses and workplaces. Encourage employers to create opportunities for persons with disabilities and foster an inclusive work environment.
    6. Organize workshops and training sessions: Conduct workshops and training sessions on disability awareness and sensitivity for schools, workplaces, and community organizations.
    7. Promote media representation: Advocate for fair and accurate representation of persons with disabilities in media and entertainment. Encourage positive portrayals that challenge stereotypes.
    8. Collaborate with disabled individuals: Involve individuals with disabilities in advocacy efforts and decision-making processes to ensure their voices are heard.
    9. Support accessible recreation: Advocate for accessible recreational facilities and programs for individuals with disabilities in your community.
    10. Advocate for legal rights: Stay informed about disability-related legislation and advocate for the implementation and enforcement of disability rights laws.
    11. Use social media for advocacy: Use social media platforms to raise awareness, share disability-related information, and support campaigns and events.
    12. Be an ally: Be a supportive ally to persons with disabilities. Listen to their experiences and needs and stand up against discrimination or ableism when you witness it.

 

• • What are some common misconceptions and stereotypes about persons with disabilities?

    There are several common misconceptions and stereotypes about persons with disabilities that can lead to misunderstandings, discrimination, and exclusion. Some of these have been given below:

    1. Helplessness: Assuming that persons with disabilities are entirely dependent on others and incapable of leading independent lives. In reality, many individuals with disabilities are capable of being self-reliant and contributing members of society.
    2. Pity: Feeling sorry for people with disabilities and treating them as objects of sympathy rather than as individuals with their own strengths and aspirations.
    3. Burden: Viewing persons with disabilities as burdens on their families or society, rather than recognizing their potential contributions.
    4. Lack of Abilities: Assuming that people with disabilities are unable to achieve success or be productive in various fields, overlooking their unique skills and talents.
    5. Uniformity: Treating all individuals with a particular disability as a homogenous group, disregarding their individual differences and capabilities.
    6. Faking Disability: Suspecting that some individuals might be pretending or exaggerating their disabilities to receive benefits or advantages.
    7. Inability to Contribute: Assuming that persons with disabilities cannot make meaningful contributions to the workforce or society, leading to employment discrimination.

  • How can I educate myself and others about the challenges faced by differently abled individuals?

    Educating yourself and others about the challenges faced by differently abled individuals is a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society. It is an ongoing process. Here are some effective ways to do so:

    1. Read books and articles: Seek out books, articles, and research papers that address disability rights, experiences of differently abled individuals, and the challenges they face. This will provide you with valuable insights and diverse perspectives.
    2. Watch documentaries and films: There are numerous documentaries and films that shed light on the lives and struggles of persons with disabilities. They can be powerful tools for raising awareness and fostering empathy.
    3. Follow disability advocacy organizations: Follow and support disability advocacy organizations and groups. They often share educational resources, stories, and information about the challenges faced by differently abled individuals.
    4. Attend workshops and webinars: Look for workshops, webinars, and seminars related to disability rights and inclusion. These events offer opportunities to learn from experts and engage in discussions with others interested in the subject.
    5. Engage with disabled individuals: Interact with individuals with disabilities to understand their experiences firsthand. Respectfully listen to their stories, challenges, and perspectives.
    6. Volunteer with disability organizations: Consider volunteering with organizations that work for the welfare and empowerment of persons with disabilities. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of their challenges.
    7. Use inclusive language: Be mindful of your language and avoid using derogatory terms or offensive language when referring to individuals with disabilities. Use person-first language that emphasizes the person, not their disability.
    8. Challenge stereotypes: Speak up against stereotypes and misconceptions about disabilities whenever you encounter them. Encourage others to do the same.
    9. Promote accessibility: Advocate for accessible infrastructure and services in your community, workplace, and public spaces. Accessibility is crucial for ensuring inclusivity.
    10. Share information on social media: Use your social media platforms to share educational content about disability rights and the challenges faced by differently abled individuals. This can help raise awareness among your friends and followers.
    11. Participate in disability awareness events: Attend and support disability awareness events, such as Disability Awareness Month or International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to show your solidarity and learn more.
    12. Support inclusive policies: Advocate for the implementation of inclusive policies that promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities at local, national, and global levels.

  • What are the rights of persons with disabilities towards employment and accessibility?

    In India, the rights of persons with disabilities towards employment and accessibility are protected and promoted by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act). This comprehensive legislation aims to ensure equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, including employment and accessibility. Here are some key provisions related to employment and accessibility under the RPWD Act:

Employment Rights

• • 1. Reservation in government jobs: The RPWD Act mandates that at least 4% of the total vacancies in the government sector be reserved for persons with disabilities. This reservation applies to both civil posts and services.
    2. Incentives to employers: The Act provides incentives to private employers to encourage them to employ persons with disabilities. These incentives include financial support, tax benefits, and assistance with the creation of accessible infrastructure.
    3. Non-discrimination: Employers are prohibited from discriminating against persons with disabilities in matters of recruitment, job training, promotion, and other employment-related aspects.
    4. Reasonable accommodations: Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations and assistive devices to enable persons with disabilities to perform their job duties effectively.
    5. Accessibility at workplace: The Act mandates that all organizations and establishments, both public and private, ensure accessibility in their premises to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities.
    6. Special employment exchanges: The Act provides for the establishment of special employment exchanges to facilitate job placements for persons with disabilities.

Accessibility Rights:

• 1. Accessible infrastructure: The RPWD Act emphasizes the importance of making public and private buildings, roads, transportation, and other facilities accessible for persons with disabilities.
  2. Accessible information and communication: Organizations are required to make their information and communication accessible to persons with disabilities, including providing information in accessible formats like Braille, audio, or large print.
  3. Education accessibility: Educational institutions are required to provide reasonable accommodations and support to students with disabilities to ensure their full participation and access to education.
  4. Accessible technology: The Act promotes the development and use of assistive technologies to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities.
  5. Public transport accessibility: It is mandatory to make public transportation services accessible to persons with disabilities.
  6. Accessibility certification: The Act provides for the certification of accessibility of buildings and services to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

• How can I volunteer or get involved in initiatives to support persons with disabilities?

  Click Here to learn about ways in which Individuals, Corporates and Government Organizations can get involved

• What are some effective ways to promote disability awareness in schools and workplaces?

  Promoting disability awareness in schools and workplaces is crucial to foster inclusivity, empathy, and understanding among students, employees, and staff. Here are some effective ways to achieve this:

  1. Disability awareness workshops
  2. Inclusive curriculum at schools and workplaces
  3. Guest speakers and role models
  4. Sensitization activities
  5. Accessible infrastructure
  6. Inclusive policies
  7. Disability awareness campaigns
  8. Disability-inclusive events
  9. Employee resource groups to provide support and advocacy within the workplace.
  10. Employee awareness programs
  11. Celebrating disability awareness days
  12. Inclusive recruitment practices

• How can we ensure inclusive education for students with disabilities?

  By implementing these strategies, schools can create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students with disabilities can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally alongside their peers. Inclusive education benefits all students by promoting diversity, empathy, and acceptance in the learning community.

  1. Personalized/ individualized curriculums to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. This involves creating flexible learning materials and assessments that can be adapted to meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities.
  2. Professional development: Provide ongoing professional development for teachers and staff on inclusive teaching practices, understanding disabilities, and using assistive technologies.
  3. Accessible infrastructure: Ensure that the school premises, classrooms, and facilities are physically accessible for students with disabilities. This includes providing ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces.
  4. Assistive technologies and resources: Equip classrooms with appropriate assistive technologies and learning resources to support students with disabilities. These may include screen readers, Braille materials, text-to-speech software, and adapted learning materials.
  5. Collaboration and teamwork: Encourage collaboration between general education teachers, special education teachers, therapists, and support staff to address the needs of students with disabilities effectively.
  6. Peer support programs: Foster a positive and supportive school culture where students without disabilities can support and interact with their peers with disabilities. Peer support programs can promote social inclusion and reduce stigmatization.
  7. Inclusive extracurricular activities: Ensure that extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, and clubs, are inclusive and accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities.
  8. Positive reinforcement: Recognize and celebrate the achievements and efforts of students with disabilities, reinforcing their sense of belonging and self-esteem.
  9. Inclusive assessments: Develop assessment methods that accommodate the diverse needs of students with disabilities, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
  10. Regular progress monitoring: Implement a system of regular progress monitoring for students with disabilities to assess their academic and social development. Use this information to adjust instructional strategies and support as needed.
  11. Parent and community engagement: Involve parents and the community in the inclusive education process. Seek their input, collaboration, and support in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
  12. Anti-discrimination policies: Implement and enforce anti-discrimination policies in the school to prevent any form of bullying, harassment, or exclusion of students with disabilities.
  13. Advocacy and policy support: Advocate for the implementation of inclusive education policies at the school and district levels. Support the development of legislation that promotes the rights of students with disabilities.