The prevalence of disability has been rising globally, influenced by a variety of factors, including demographic shifts such as ageing populations, increased survival rates from chronic diseases, and improved diagnosis and awareness of disabilities. Epidemiological changes, such as the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, also contribute to this increase. An estimated 1.3 billion people (16% of the global population) experience a significant disability today (WHO, 2023)[1]. This prevalence of disability is higher in developing countries (World Bank, 2023)[2].  According to Census 2011, approximately 2.2% of the country’s population were disabled translating to 26.8 million people. Among them locomotor disability accounted for 20.3%, followed by hearing for19.0%, seeing disability for 18.5%, other disabilities for 18.0%, multiple disabilities for 8.0%, speech impairments for 7.5%, intellectual disability for 5.5%, and mental illness for2.7%[3]. Disability rates were higher among females than males and increased with age. During this period, India also witnessed a rapid growth in its elderly population, with about 8% of the total population aged 60 and above, a figure expected to rise to 11.1% by 2025 [4]^,[5] . Persons with disabilities are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes such as less education, poorer health outcomes, lower levels of employment, and higher poverty rates.

To address these challenges and ensure the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities, Sightsavers India has undertaken several initiatives. These efforts aim to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of “Leaving No One Behind” by 2030. Sightsavers India's initiatives for social inclusion revolve around three key pillars: economic empowerment, enhancing the capacities of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and cultivating a supportive environment. The Social Inclusion Programme initiative is actively underway in 12 districts across eight priority states: Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. These initiatives are designed to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and integrate them more fully into society. The present study focuses on understanding the socio-economic and cultural landscape of persons with disabilities in the selected districts where Sightsavers India’s Social Inclusion programme is implemented.

Methods

The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative and qualitative data collection. The study framework was derived from DFID’s Sustainable Livelihoods approach and framework (DFID, 2000)[6]; and Definitions, Framework & Indicators for Women’s Economic Empowerment by the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW, 2018)[7]. Further exploration identified an additional livelihood pocket: political capital, as documented by Baumann & Sinha in 2001[8].  The study was conducted in 6 selected priority blocks from six social inclusion programme districts from six states. Using stratified random sampling techniques, a sample of 457 individuals were selected from these geographies. Qualitative interviews were conducted with persons with disabilities, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Government officials and private employers.

Findings

Education and vocational training

Literacy rates among respondents were low, with 38% unable to read or write. Vocational training participation was also limited, with only 7% having undergone any form of training. However, qualitative data indicated that many who received training struggled to find sustainable employment due to market access issues and societal attitudes towards PWDs.

Livelihoods and Employment

The study found that 34% of PWDs in the sample were engaged in work, higher than the national average of 24.5% reported by the NSS 76th Round[9].  There were also differences by gender, with 25% of females engaged in work compared to 40% of males. Among those employed, 56% were self-employed, primarily in farming, agriculture, or running small shops. Regular salaried jobs were less common, with only 20% of respondents engaged in such employment. A significant proportion of respondents (73%) were unable to work as much as they needed, primarily due to physical accessibility issues and lack of availability of suitable jobs.

Financial Independence

The average monthly income of employed PWDs was ₹7,509, with significant gender disparities (₹6,734 for females vs. ₹8,560 for males). Most respondents (71%) received a disability pension, which supplemented their income.

Asset Ownership

Household asset ownership was high, with 94% owning a house and 56% owning agricultural land. However, individual ownership of assets was much lower, with only 37% owning a house in their name. Gender disparities were evident, with males more likely to own assets than females.

Access to Financial Products

While 71% of respondents had access to a bank account, only 21% had access to loans and 15% to self-help groups (SHGs). Access to insurance was limited, with only 18% reporting any form of insurance, primarily health insurance.

Decision-Making

Around 60% of respondents reported making decisions about their own money, with significant variation by state and gender. In Chhattisgarh, 79% of respondents made financial decisions themselves, compared to only 39% in Jharkhand. Female respondents were less likely to make financial decisions independently (49%) compared to males (65%).

Daily Assistance and Support

A significant majority (82%) of respondents required assistance in their daily lives, primarily from family members. This reliance on family support underscores the challenges PWDs face in achieving full independence and highlights the need for broader community and systemic support

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the study underscores the challenges faced by PWDs in the selected districts. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach encompassing education reform, vocational training enhancements, inclusive employment policies, improved financial access, and strengthened community support structures. Achieving meaningful inclusion demands collaborative efforts from governments, civil society, and private sectors to dismantle barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in and contribute to society.

[1] World Health Organization. Disability. 2023. https:// www. who. int/ newsroom/ fact- sheets/ detail/ disability- and- health. Accessed 26 Jun 2023

[2] https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/disability#:~:text=Results

[3] Census of India. Data on Disability, vol. 2011. 2017, New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner. Available at http://www.disabilityaffairs.gov.in/upload/upload/files/files/disabilityinindia2011data.pdf.

[4] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. World Population Prospects (2008 Revision). 2008. Available: http://esa.un.org/unpp/index.asp?panel=2.

[5] Mishra, R.S., Mohanty, S.K., Cordes, J. et al. Economic gradient of onset of disability in India. BMC Public Health 21, 769 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10826-5

[6] DFID. (2001). Sustainable Livelihood Guidance Sheets. London: The Department for International Development

[7] Golla, A., Malhotra, A., Nanda, P., & Mehra, R. (2018). Understanding & Measuring Women's Economic Empowerment: Definition, Framework & Indicators. Washington D.C.: ICRW: International Center for Research on Women.

[8] Baumann, P., & Sinha, S. (2001, June). Linking Development with Democratic Processes in India: Political Capital and Sustainable Livelihoods Analyis. ODI: Natural Resource Perspectives, p. Number 68.

[9] India - National Statistical Office. (2019). Persons with Disabilities in India, NSS 76th Round. New Delhi: Government of India, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, National Statistical Office.