Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 3: As the world marked World Disability Day, persons with disabilities in Kashmir used the occasion not to celebrate, but to highlight the grim realities they continue to face.
Several specially-abled persons said that despite the promises and schemes announced over the years, their lived experiences tell a completely different story.
“It is painful that on a day meant for acknowledging us, we are compelled to raise our voices for basic rights,” they said. “If we had been truly empowered, we would have been celebrating this day instead of complaining for basic rights.”
They lamented that the guarantees under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, remain largely unimplemented in Kashmir. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Accessible India Campaign with much fanfare, but on the ground, barely anything changed. A few token works were done here and there, and most funds lapsed without meaningful results,” one of them said.
Many accused the government of failing even in ensuring that newly constructed buildings have mandatory accessibility features like ramps, lifts, tactile paths, and disabled-friendly washrooms. “Without such facilities, we are being pushed further to the margins,” they added.
Another major concern raised was the lack of special educators, accessible classrooms, and teaching materials in schools. “How can children with disabilities pursue education when the system itself is not inclusive? The four per cent job reservation for disabled persons also exists only on paper,” one speaker pointed out.
“Society still hides us,” said Sania Jan, a specially-abled woman from Srinagar. She said the challenges begin right at home. “Many parents hesitate to put effort or money into the education of children with disabilities. Due to the lack of awareness, some children face emotional and even physical neglect,” she said.
Sania said that social stigma remains deeply rooted: “Families hide their disabled children and avoid taking them to gatherings. People worry about what others will say. This discrimination isolates us even further.”
She added. “Even when private schools allow admission, they often fall short of providing trained teachers, accessible classrooms, or safe environments. Bullying and negative attitudes are common. Transport barriers and lack of support services worsen the situation.”
Mohammad Rafee, who lives with a facial hemangioma and a spinal injury and has been using a wheelchair for 15 years, shared a powerful message of resilience: “Every wound is a step forward, every challenge a leap ahead. On International Disability Day, it is crucial to confront accessibility issues, attitudinal barriers, stigma, lack of employment, and the shortage of assistive technology. These issues cannot stop us.”
He urged persons with disabilities to embrace their strength: “Your disability doesn’t define you. It is a part of your journey, not your identity. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Follow your dreams—the world needs your voice.”
Despite the hardships, Rafee said his disability has only strengthened him. “Living with disability hasn’t weakened me. It has shaped me into who I am. Let’s build a world that is inclusive and empowering for all,” he said.
Officials in the Social Welfare Department said the government is working “tirelessly” for the welfare of persons with disabilities and assured that efforts are being intensified to address the gaps.
