NHRC Chairperson calls for integration of the disability dimension in all basic structures of society
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Justice A.S. Anand, has called for the need to integrate disability dimension in all basic structures that are fundamental to the organization of every society. He has stressed that no meaningful change can come about for persons with disabilities unless various social and economic processes of civil society are redefined on disability-inclusive standards. Justice Anand was speaking on the occasion of presenting “Ability Awards” instituted by the Cavin Kare and Ability Foundation of Chennai.
Disability, the Chairperson said, by and large, has been regarded as a welfare issue and a subject matter of special rights and entitlements. However, the debate on development and human rights was gradually gaining momentum both at the national and international levels. By focusing on the person as subject, the human rights model placed the person at the centre stage in all decisions affecting him/her.
Justice Anand pointed out that the provisions of the Indian Constitution envisaged a very positive role for the State towards its vulnerable citizens. As per Entry 9 of the Constitution, the subject of `relief to the Disabled and Unemployable’ was the responsibility of the State Governments. Unfortunately, despite the Constitutional mandate, most of the State Governments had neither introduced State Policy on Disability nor chalked out a programme for the earnest enforcement of recently enacted laws. Though, some schemes have been introduced to provide scholarships, pensions, assistive devices etc., their impact has been insignificant perhaps due to inadequacies in the scheme of schemes.
Chairperson lamented that the `dominating future in the history of disabled people has always been their isolation and exclusion. Though the march towards integration and participation started many years ago, the results were not visible. Our attitude towards the disabled person has been lopsided. A disabled person has hitherto been the object and not the subject of action. Our policies unfortunately have a substantial element of protection and charity. That is, where we have gone wrong. The concepts of normalization and integration have received set backs because of these policies. If the basic idea of normalization is that the disabled person should efficiently use the infrastructure, services and goods available to the non-disabled, then certainly we are promoting an abnormal agenda. The normalization and integration insist in recognition of differences, which the disability brings with it. In the 21st century therefore the focus of our action should shift from the rehabilitation of individuals to the reorganization of the social, economic and political structures and processes. So far, we have forced people to tailor themselves to the facilities that are there but the need is to now tailor systems to suit the needs of individuals, each of who is unique and valuable. ‘
Assuring the commitment of the National Human Rights Commission towards the protection and promotion of the rights of disabled people, the Chairperson said that the Commission was ceased of the situation in which people with disabilities live. From time to time, it has addressed the question of the rights of the underprivileged amongst the disabled such as mentally ill persons, economically poor persons with disabilities etc. The Commission recently has finalized its approach in this area. A preliminary agenda has been agreed upon and some action has been initiated. The Commission will emphasise on putting permanent and endurable systems in place to ensure inclusion of a disability perspective.
Disability, the Chairperson said, by and large, has been regarded as a welfare issue and a subject matter of special rights and entitlements. However, the debate on development and human rights was gradually gaining momentum both at the national and international levels. By focusing on the person as subject, the human rights model placed the person at the centre stage in all decisions affecting him/her.
Justice Anand pointed out that the provisions of the Indian Constitution envisaged a very positive role for the State towards its vulnerable citizens. As per Entry 9 of the Constitution, the subject of `relief to the Disabled and Unemployable’ was the responsibility of the State Governments. Unfortunately, despite the Constitutional mandate, most of the State Governments had neither introduced State Policy on Disability nor chalked out a programme for the earnest enforcement of recently enacted laws. Though, some schemes have been introduced to provide scholarships, pensions, assistive devices etc., their impact has been insignificant perhaps due to inadequacies in the scheme of schemes.
Chairperson lamented that the `dominating future in the history of disabled people has always been their isolation and exclusion. Though the march towards integration and participation started many years ago, the results were not visible. Our attitude towards the disabled person has been lopsided. A disabled person has hitherto been the object and not the subject of action. Our policies unfortunately have a substantial element of protection and charity. That is, where we have gone wrong. The concepts of normalization and integration have received set backs because of these policies. If the basic idea of normalization is that the disabled person should efficiently use the infrastructure, services and goods available to the non-disabled, then certainly we are promoting an abnormal agenda. The normalization and integration insist in recognition of differences, which the disability brings with it. In the 21st century therefore the focus of our action should shift from the rehabilitation of individuals to the reorganization of the social, economic and political structures and processes. So far, we have forced people to tailor themselves to the facilities that are there but the need is to now tailor systems to suit the needs of individuals, each of who is unique and valuable. ‘
Assuring the commitment of the National Human Rights Commission towards the protection and promotion of the rights of disabled people, the Chairperson said that the Commission was ceased of the situation in which people with disabilities live. From time to time, it has addressed the question of the rights of the underprivileged amongst the disabled such as mentally ill persons, economically poor persons with disabilities etc. The Commission recently has finalized its approach in this area. A preliminary agenda has been agreed upon and some action has been initiated. The Commission will emphasise on putting permanent and endurable systems in place to ensure inclusion of a disability perspective.