Disability Concept, Definitions and Models. Explaining the definition & concept of Disability under UNCRPD and World Health Organization.

India signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and subsequently ratified the same on October 1, 2007. The UNCRPD proclaims that disability results from an interaction of impairments with attitudinal and environmental barriers which hinders full and active participation in society on an equal basis.

A person with disability “means a person with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others”

In a notification released on January 4, 2018, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provided guidelines for the certification of the various disabilities specified by the RPwD Act. This document outlines screening, assessment, and certification procedures. The major changes include improved definitions and operationalized terms, increased focus on the rights of PwDs, measures to reduce discrimination, a movement toward an inclusive approach in education and work, the process of appointing a limited guardian, and the section on offences and penalties for contravening the rules.

Disability is part of being human. Almost everyone will temporarily or permanently experience disability at some point in their life. Over one billion people – about 15% of the global population – live with some form of disability and this number is increasing.

Disability results from the interaction between individuals with a health condition such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome and depression as well as personal and environmental factors including negative attitudes, inaccessible transportation and public buildings, and limited social support.

People with disability experience poorer health outcomes, have less access to education and work opportunities, and are more likely to live in poverty than those without a disability.

Very often people with disability do not receive the healthcare services they need. Evidence shows that half of people with disability cannot afford healthcare. People with disability are also more than twice as likely to find healthcare providers' skills inadequate.

Persons with Mental disability are often stigmatized and discriminated, which hinders their full and active participation in society. This is a much larger issue, especially in women, gender minorities, backward communities, and the poor and the migrated populations. Adding to the complexities, Persons with Mental disabilities are often not aware of their illness, refuse the much-needed treatment and often are not in a place to exercise their rights. There is an urgent need to address this issue of attitudinal barrier so that the rights of the disabled are upheld.


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