What's New

EMPOWERING DISABILITY INCLUSION IN INDIA:

Global Perspective on Disability:

• Over 3 billion people worldwide, equivalent to India’s entire population, live with disabilities.
• A significant majority, 80%, resides in developing countries, with 70% situated in rural areas.
• Existing systems often overlook disability considerations, leading to higher poverty rates, limited education access, and social and economic discrimination.

Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities:

• Inclusion of persons with disabilities in the economy can potentially boost global GDP by 3% to 7%, as per the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• Current employment scenarios are limited, perpetuating stereotypes and hindering access to the job market for persons with disabilities.
• The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities advocates for changing attitudes and promoting inclusion for social development.

Challenges in Rural Areas and SPARK Project:

• Rural areas pose additional challenges for persons with disabilities, limiting their access to education and employment opportunities.

• The SPARK project, initiated by ILO and IFAD in collaboration with Maharashtra’s Women’s Development Corporation, empowers persons with disabilities.
• Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs) from the community raise awareness, identify women with disabilities, and integrate them into self-help groups for economic development.
• The project demonstrates a transformative impact, fostering attitudinal shifts from societal to administrative levels, emphasizing the need for inclusive opportunities and rural resilience.

Private Sector role:

The private sector plays a vital role in promoting employment for persons with disabilities, requiring engagement and confidence-building initiatives.

Prioritizing the voices and needs of persons with disabilities is crucial for achieving social justice and addressing global development challenges, especially in rural areas.