KOHIMA, DECEMBER 3 (MExN): On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the Nagaland Parents Association for Disabilities (NAPAD) extended greetings to the government, NGOs, stakeholders, and all special citizens for striving hard to safeguard and uplift the cause of disabilities in the right direction.
While acknowledging the global emphasis on leadership, NAPAD expressed concerns that the focus on "leadership" may overlook the urgent needs of persons with severe and profound disabilities, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities requiring high support. It pointed out that these individuals often cannot advocate for themselves in the same way as others, making it crucial to balance the leadership narrative with the need for robust, continuous care.
Since the introduction of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, which follows the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the shift from a medical and social model to a rights-based approach has created significant gaps in resources needed to fulfill disability rights in various sectors.
These gaps, NAPAD noted, lead to a substantial loss in GDP and affect approximately 20% of India’s population. This reality calls for urgent attention from policymakers, given the economic impact and the widespread need for better support systems for people with disabilities, it added.
On the other hand, NAPAD stated that family care has become the primary means of bridging these resource gaps. It therefore stressed that the role of family caregivers should be formally recognized and supported by law.
Towards this, NAPAD called for policies that reflect this reality and provide the necessary support to families, acknowledging their vital role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access their full range of rights and opportunities.
