Assam, known for its rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community, has always embraced unity and inclusivity in various aspects of life.
However, when it comes to disability inclusion, this sense of community often falls short due to a lack of awareness and action.
But disability inclusion habitually comes with pity rather than empowerment.
How often do we see or encounter person with disability while we walk around- Hardly any.
What people need to know is disability isn’t making them stop from what they ought to do or their lifestyle, we are. This is because how people think about disability affects how they feel about disability.
People view disability as always being dependent and incapable of contributing to the society.
While considering this what we need to know is,it is essential to foster empathy, not pity. Understand them without diminishing capabilities. Recognize and support the independence of people with disabilities.
What does person with disability mean to you?
So many different versions and definitions on what disability is have provided a disorganized perspective for people. This is due to lack of awareness and failing to understand disability in its legal framework.
According to the UN Convention that was signed in 2006, and India being one of the many countries to ratify it on October 1, 2007 ensures that the rights of person with disabilities should be respected, protected and fulfilled.
With regard to the UNCRPD, a person with disability is – A person with long term – physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders full and effective participation in society equally with others.
How disability has been viewed through ages differs from how it is known. Since people did not have the true understanding, people with disability were viewed as problematic.
Their inability to travel, walk, communicate, see, write were considered unfit and barriers to live in a fully functioning society.
This is the charity approach that people took viewing them through the lens of pity, needing help, offering sympathy.
Nevertheless, slowly people expanded their thought process and moved into a hypothesis that disability a medical problem and it can be treated and solved.
Well with the signing of the UNCRPD and the implementation of the RPWD (Rights of Person With Disability) Act, people with disability started getting recognition and got their rights enforced.
This approach stated clearly that the problem isn’t the persons with disability but the society that was a problem who couldn’t cater to the needs and requirement of these people.
What does the constitution have to say?
Constitution of India is the founding legal document guaranteeing fundamental human rights to all persons, including persons with disabilities.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) provides a framework to ensure dignity, autonomy, and full participation in society.
Barriers to disability
People with disabilities face multiple barriers—attitudinal, informational, communication, physical, and institutional—that limit their full participation in society.
Negative stereotypes, inaccessible information, lack of assistive communication tools, physical inaccessibility, and discriminatory policies all contribute to exclusion.
Overcoming such barriers requires not much but a little effort and action into shifting attitudes, viewing abilities, not limitations and challenging stereotypes.
People must first understand that accessibility is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Awareness is key to ensuring accessible spaces, inclusive communication, and respect for people with disabilities.
Sign language should be promoted as a universal medium to break communication barriers, fostering real inclusion.
Language also matters—using “person with a disability” instead of outdated or offensive terms ensures dignity and respect.
The difference between sympathy and inclusion lies in action: inclusion means creating equal opportunities, accessible environments, and valuing abilities rather than limitations.
Simply feeling pity and not doing anything at their plight doesn’t cover up for something called empathy.
Being constantly seen as “less” takes a toll—social exclusion leads to isolation, lower self-esteem, and fewer opportunities.
True change starts when society recognizes, respects, and removes barriers, ensuring that people with disabilities are included as equals in all aspects of life.
There’s a growing global shift towards supporting people with disabilities through equal opportunities, accessibility, and mental well-being.
Raising awareness about breaking stereotypes and encouraging true support instead of tokenism can bring a change we all look forward to.
As a community, we have the power to lead the change and ensure that people with disabilities are given equal opportunities to thrive.
Leadership in inclusion would mean
Raising Awareness and Educating people on accessibility, disability rights.
Encouraging Inclusive education & employment – Support schools and workplaces that create equal opportunities.
Using Respectful Language and address people with disabilities with dignity, using person-first language.
Building a supportive society and amplify the voices of people with disabilities rather than speaking for them.
Jahnabi Sharma is a Counselling Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and a Disability Rights Advocate. She can be reached at psychologistjahnabi96@gmail.com
