International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. Each year they celebrate the IDPD day with a theme that focuses global attention on specific issues and drive action and build momentum for disability rights ensuring progress and development. The emerging challenges and difficulties are addressed so that aspects like leadership, innovation, accessible and inclusive societies are build.
Theme 2025 defines Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress
India’s alignment with 2025 IDPD theme:
India’s initiatives directly contributes to the social development and progression by complete inclusive actions of disabled persons.
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is India’s primary tool for advancing inclusion by legally supporting equality and non discrimination, thereby creating a barrier free environment in public infrastructure, transportation and other systems.
- Accessible India Campaign ( Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) is a dynamic initiative aimed at achieving easy accessibility for personal with disabilities in transportation, physical spaces and digital platforms across the country.
- Initiatives like PM-DAKSH portal connect persons with disabilities to skill training and employment opportunities, addressing the theme’s focus on productive employment.
- The Divya Kala Mela provides a national platform for Divyang (PwD) artisans to showcase their talents and secure economic independence.
- Several private and public sector companies have implemented proactive inclusive hiring practices. Lemon tree hotels, Cafe Coffee Day, Mirakle Couriers are some who continuously support PwD with sensitive assisting trainings, ensuring job offers in various departments with accommodation, flexible work options, shifts and progressive wages.
- The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation provides concessional loans to thousands of PwD for self employment and entrepreneurial ventures fostering financial independence.
- The revamped Sugamya Bharat App serves as digital hub for PwD, providing information on government schemes.
- The use of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and low cost assistive technology such as text-to-speech apps and audiobooks help students with cerebral palsy and dyslexia engage with their curriculum.
Success stories:
Arumai Kumar, a polio-stricken artisan who creates stunning bamboo lamps and scented candles, using the Divya kala Mela builds a self-reliant profession.
Arav, a young artist who customizes hand-painted shoes and hats, using the Divya Kala Mela for live painting performances that challenged stereotypes and inspired others.
Ravi’s Breakthrough from Rural Rajasthan: A 14 year old with dyslexia who struggled in traditional classes was trained by an NGO teacher, who used differentiated instruction with audiobooks, pictorial worksheets developed confidence in Ravi and he became an active participant, proving that low-cost adaptive tools can bridge significant gaps.
Priya’s Journey in Mumbai Government School: A 12 year old with cerebral palsy struggled to use a pencil. Her teacher adopted Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, using visual aids, tactile materials, and text-to-speech apps, enabling Priya to participate in group projects and perform a poem at a school assembly.
Conclusion:
India has transitioned from a charity based approach to a rights based model of inclusion through its legal frameworks and flagship initiatives to systematically integrate persons with disabilities into the National development narrative.
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MBH/AB