India is a country undergoing modernisation. Modernisation in terms of technological development and eradication of social inequalities in building a better society. Rights of Women, Children and LGBTQ’s are upheld understanding the need. One among such social cause needing its attention are ‘Differently-abled’.
Apart from wheelchair provision in metros, reserved seats in buses, there indeed is a plenty of areas to be focused on in order to provide the differently-abled, their needs.
The way our eyes ignores the nose, which is right in front throughout our life, we the Physically potential continue to lead our life. We hear, We see, We think, Walk, run, jump and run the whole show in this world, calling ourselves physically fit. We extend our concern on physically challenged or as a step ahead we empathise them along with sympathising. In a world which has understood the essentiality of pockets even in women’s clothing, we still lack in bringing equality among the differently-abled.
As a matter of shock 50% of the differently-abled in our country are illiterates. Disparities linked to disability based on data from 49 countries as per the documentation is given below:
Among the male disabled persons, 38% are illiterates. In all, 16% of the disabled male population has metric/ secondary education but are not graduates and 6% are graduates and above. About 9% among the male disabled literates are graduates. Among the female disabled persons, 55% are illiterates. 9% of the disabled female population has metric/ secondary education but are not graduates and 3% are graduates and above. About 7.7% among the female disabled literates, are graduates.
The above result proves the worst condition of specially-abled in obtaining their Fundamental Rights. They are less likely to attend school and if at all attended then very less complete primary or secondary education and so they do possess least basic literacy.
The Preamble being the soul of our Constitution ensures Social, Economic and Political justice. But we have failed to impart literacy to half of our specially-abled population. Part lll of Indian Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights. Right to Education (Art. 21 A) is also Fundamental Right under the Constitution. But lack of efficient materials, and literary sources have pushed the differently-abled to be permanently disabled. It is Education which can bring in revolution. When India is moving towards a achieving its literacy goals, needs of differently-abled should also be a matter to consider.
There is a need, India and Indians ensure the accessibility of Rights to its Citizens. The basic change has to be brought through educational institutions. When specially-abled schools are in progress, inculcating sign languages and Brail literacy among physically abled child too should become a new normal. With this, slow but steadily equality and justice shall be ensured without discrimination.
