The rights of persons with disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of Government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (150 words) [2022]
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, aims to ensure equal opportunities and protection for people with disabilities in India. The Act contains key provisions such as non-discrimination, full and effective participation, accessibility, and respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities.
However, without proper sensitization of government functionaries and citizens, the Act remains only a legal document.
- Bureaucratic apathy: Persons with disabilities face harassment in acquiring disability certificates due to bureaucratic indifference.
- Inaccessible technology: Government initiatives like Digital India often remain inaccessible for users with visual or other disabilities.
- Employment discrimination: Persons with disabilities are often denied wage labor due to misconceptions about their abilities and productivity.
- Superstitions: Prevailing superstitions in communities subject persons with disabilities to harmful treatments claiming to cure disability.
To ensure the effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, it is crucial to sensitize government functionaries and citizens about disability issues. This can be achieved through training programs, awareness campaigns, and education programs, fostering a more inclusive and supportive society for persons with disabilities.
