Have you ever seen a classroom without anyone to help a deaf student, or a building without a ramp for wheelchairs? People with disabilities face such challenges every day. Globally, 1.3 billion people live with disabilities—240 million of these are children, while 7.9 million are in India. Disability discrimination is a global issue that affects not just individuals, but society as a whole. It leads to unequal opportunities, rights violations and a lack of accessibility. The rights of people with disabilities are part of the fundamental rights of humans. This article focusses on three key rights— the right to education, the right to employment and access to healthcare.
The Right to Education
The right to education for children with disabilities means that they should be allowed to attend school, regardless of their financial situation. It also ensures that disabled children don’t get discriminated against or segregated at school. Even if a child is attending school, their right to education can still be violated if they don’t have the accommodations they need. Accommodations are things that can make their daily lives easier. Some examples of accommodations include assistive technology, accessible restrooms, ramps and elevators. The right to education is one of the most important fundamental rights because it can determine future opportunities. Challenges faced by disabled children include exclusion, marginalisation and a lack of equal opportunities. p
