India, disability inclusion and the power of ‘by’

• Disability, as a multifaceted identity, intersects with social, economic, and gender vulnerabilities, necessitating comprehensive considerations for equitable action.

Current Scenario

• Globally, 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability.
• Of them, 80% live in developing countries; further, 70% of them live in rural areas.
• Current systems often exclude people with disabilities, leading to higher instances of poverty, limited education, and social and economic discrimination.

Shift in Approach - 'By' Instead of 'For'

• The approach to disability inclusion must be "by" persons with disabilities, involving them in the process rather than actions being done "for" them.
• This shift is crucial for meaningful inclusion and empowerment.

Economic Impact

• Inclusion of persons with disabilities in the economy can boost global GDP by 3% to 7%, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• Disability inclusion is rooted in recognizing rights and understanding the economic benefits.

Challenges in Rural Areas

• Rural areas pose greater challenges for persons with disabilities, limiting access to education and employment.
• Developmental schemes often exclude them, viewing them as objects of charity rather than active participants.
• A bottom-up approach to disability inclusion is crucial
  • To build productive pathways out of poverty
  • To ensure that persons with disabilities are recognised as active members of society and the economy.

Role of Private Sector

• The private sector plays a pivotal role in promoting the employment of persons with disabilities.
• Engaging employers' federations and trade unions is essential for fostering an inclusive work environment.

The SPARK Project

• The ILO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)'s SPARK project empowers persons with disabilities in rural areas.
• Persons with disabilities are put in the lead, being identified from the villages, and trained as Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs).
• The DIFs engage with communities to raise awareness and identify opportunities for social and economic development.

Conclusion

• The goal of social justice requires the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of development, particularly in rural areas.
• A fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing, and action is crucial to prioritise the voices and needs of persons with disabilities on the global development agenda.