Disability is a multifaceted issue in India, encompassing physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental health conditions. According to the Census of India 2011, approximately 2.21% of the population, or 26.8 million people, live with some form of disability. However, experts suggest this figure is an underestimation due to cultural stigmas and reporting limitations. Despite significant advancements in recent years, persons with disabilities in India continue to face numerous challenges in accessing education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion.
The Rural Development Institute (RDI) has been empowering people with disabilities for the past fifteen years, transforming the lives of over 2,000 individuals through a range of impactful services. These include access to medical treatment, distribution of assistive devices, seed funding for small-scale businesses, the development of accessible houses, schools and toilets and educational scholarships for students with disabilities. Among its standout initiatives is the Learning Disability Clinic, a unique service dedicated to supporting children with challenges in reading, writing, and comprehension, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
On December 3, 2024, RDI hosted a vibrant celebration to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This annual event aims to champion the rights, leadership, and contributions of persons with disabilities, fostering an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable community. This year’s theme, “Promoting the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” resonated strongly, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities to lead and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Chief Guest Dr. Vijendra Chauhan, Director General – Academic Development at Swami Rama Himalayan University, delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the significance of inclusivity in building a society where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to actively contribute to community development. Dr. Chauhan underscored that acknowledging and nurturing the leadership potential of persons with disabilities can unlock new opportunities, paving the way for a more stable, equitable, and inclusive future.
The celebration saw the participation of persons with disabilities, family members, stakeholders, providers, mentors and supporters along with notable dignitaries including Dr. Jainendra Kumar, Assistant Director of the National Career Service Center (NCSC), Mr. Santosh Kumar, Rehabilitation Officer at NCSC and Dr. Ashwin Bhatt, Neurologist at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences.
The event featured the distribution of wheelchairs, crutches, tricycles, sewing machines, and vehicles, offering recipients greater mobility and economic independence. These aids symbolize a commitment to improving lives and empowering individuals to live with dignity. Scholarships were awarded to students with disabilities, and certificates were distributed to those who received disability certificates and Unique Disability ID cards. Over the years, RDI has facilitated over 200 individuals in obtaining these essential documents, ensuring access to vital social benefits and services.
The event also underscored RDI’s initiatives to enhance economic opportunities for persons with disabilities. Vocational training programs and employment support have already benefited more than 100 individuals, providing resources such as sewing machines, grocery store supplies, vegetable vending carts, and tools for dairy farming. These efforts have significantly contributed to the integration of persons with disabilities into society, promoting self-reliance and dignity. The celebration also included inspiring testimonials from beneficiaries who shared how RDI’s support enabled them to overcome barriers, pursue dreams, and actively contribute to their communities. These stories served as powerful reminders of the transformative impact of inclusivity and support.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 showcased the Rural Development Institute’s long-standing commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through education, rehabilitation, skill development, and economic assistance. Dr. Vijendra Chauhan highlighted inclusivity as both a moral responsibility and an opportunity to unlock potential, fostering a vibrant and equitable society.
Ms. Neelam Pandey, Program Manager and Ms. Leela Uniyal, Community Facilitator facilitated the event, ensuring its success. Dr. Chauhan commended the team’s dedication, noting the effort and patience required to support persons with disabilities and promote their holistic well-being.
