by Syeda Ameena, Child Psychologist
When it comes to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), one of the biggest challenges is not always the disability itself, but the environmental barriers created around them that prevent full participation, integration, and equal opportunities.
Today, we are living in a rights-based era, where inclusion is not charity it is a fundamental right. Every individual deserves dignity, accessibility, and the opportunity to participate fully in society and Istrongly support this.
The Government of India has introduced several schemes, protections, and legal frameworks for persons with disabilities. Currently, around 21 disabilities are recognized, with multiple Acts and policies designed to safeguard rights and provide support. Conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Specific Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, along with many others, are increasingly being identified and require awareness and appropriate intervention.
Children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities deserve a fair chance at education, employment, independence, and a secure future. There are laws and provisions specifically created to protect these rights.
A very important point of awareness: it is not mandatory that assessments for disability certification or educational accommodations must happen only in government hospitals. Qualified and licensed professionals, including RCI-registered psychologists and professionals with recognized qualifications such as M.Phil or relevant PG qualifications, can conduct assessments and provide reports for school accommodations. Schools are expected to recognize these, as clearly mentioned in CBSE guidelines and accommodation mandates.
Schools also carry the responsibility of promoting inclusion, including reservation policies and creating accessible learning environments. Of course, where infrastructure limitations genuinely exist, challenges may arise but inclusion should always remain the goal.
This post is simply to spread awareness, not to create controversy. I believe all of us parents, professionals, educators, institutions, and policymakers are stakeholders working toward the same purpose: ensuring every individual gets the opportunity they deserve.