Divyang

The term Divyangjan refers to persons with disabilities and is officially recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016. 

This Act, enacted by the Government of India, expands the definition of disability from 7 to 21 categories, including physical, intellectual, mental, and multiple disabilities. 

It aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), emphasizing equality, non-discrimination, and dignity. 

The RPWD Act mandates equal opportunities in education, employment, and social life, and introduces provisions like 4% reservation in government jobs and 5% in higher education for Divyangjan.

Challenges

Despite progressive legislation, Divyangjan in India continue to face significant challenges. Many encounter social stigma, limited accessibility in public infrastructure, and a lack of inclusive education or employment opportunities. 

Rural areas are especially under-equipped to support their needs. Even though assistive technologies and schemes exist, awareness and implementation remain weak. 

Discrimination and neglect often isolate Divyang individuals from mainstream development. Bridging this gap requires not just policy enforcement but also societal mindset shifts, community support, and targeted grassroots interventions.

India’s Current Gaps

1. No comprehensive one-stop platform- no single window helping mechanism
2. Lack of legal rights awareness
3. No consolidated resources on rehab & education
4. Weak access to assistive tech & physio support
5. Fragmented welfare access

DAWN APPROACH towards Disabilities

1. Discover Ability
2. Embrace, Enable, Empower
3. Advocate Legal Rights
4. Promote Equality & Participation
5. Advance Dignity and Justice

DAWN Strategy to Address Disabilities

1. Social Inclusion & Community Participation
2. Accessible Environments (Physical & Digital)
3. Assistive Technologies & Universal Design
4. Inclusive Education & Employment
5. Tailored Healthcare including Mental Health

Legal and Financial Empowerment

1. Legal Rights Awareness & Advocacy Platforms
2. Social Stigma Sensitization
3. Education Assistance ( including Vocational Education)
4. Health Assistance
5. .Financial Access: Micro-loans, Insurance, credit facilities and concessions
6. Safety in Emergencies / Disasters for PwDs

DAWN’s One-Stop Disabled Empowering & Facilitation Portal

1. Integration of services: Legal, health, education, jobs
2. National-wide access for PwDs & caregivers
3. Telemedicine, Physio Directory, Equipment Access
4. Job Notifications & Skill Training Linkages

Global Best Practices

• Disability Hub (USA): Planning, AT, Job Counseling
• Disability Gateway (Australia): Health, Housing, NDIS
• SCOPE (UK): Online communities, early intervention
• EU Disability Forum: Accessible cities advocacy

Policy and Acts

National Policy

The National Policy For Persons With Disabilities, 2006

Recognizing that the Persons with Disabilities constitute a valuable human resource for the country and that a majority of such persons can lead a better quality of life if they have equal opportunities and effective access to rehabilitation measures, the Government, with a view to create an environment that provides such persons equal opportunities for protection of their rights and full participation in society, formulated and brought out the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities.

The policy outlines specific measures and strategies for ensuring protection of rights of PwDs and their inclusion in the society.

Acts, Rules & Regulations

The DPwD GoI  administers the following three Acts:-

1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
2. The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999
3. Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992

Standards/Guidelines notified under the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Rules 2017

UNCRPD

1. The Convention was adopted by UN General Assembly on December 13, 2006 and opened for signing by the State Parties on March 30, 2007. Adoption of the Convention has really imparted empowerment to Persons with Disabilities across the globe to demand their rights and make State, private and civil society agencies accountable for enjoying their rights.
2. India is one of the few first countries which ratified the Convention. Consequent upon signing the Convention on March 30, 2007,India ratified the Convention on 01.10.2007.The Convention has come into force from May 3, 2008. The Convention places the following three important obligations on each State Party: –
1. Implementation of the provisions of the Convention;
2. Harmonization of the country laws with the Convention and
3. Preparation of a Country Report.

Taking concrete measures for effective implementation of the Convention, all the concerned Central Ministries were requested to implement the provisions of the Convention as might be applicable to each of them. Similarly, all the Chief Ministers of States and Administrators of UTs were also requested to examine different provisions/obligations under the Convention as might relate to them and to take effective steps for their early implementation. 

The State Governments/UT Administrators were also asked to furnish a status report in this regard so that the same could be utilized towards preparing the Country Report. Rigorous monitoring and follow-up was being done in this regard so as to fulfill obligations of the Convention.