Children with Disabilities and Their Families: Key Challenges and Framing Agenda
摘要
The inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in all walks of life is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize leaving no one behind. This chapter explores the intersection of disability and development, highlighting global commitments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and SDGs. It examines key provisions of Indian legislation, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016), to assess national efforts toward disability inclusion. A critical challenge in disability advocacy is the lack of availability of reliable data. The chapter discusses global and Indian disability statistics, identifying barriers to accurate data collection and its implications for policy and intervention. It further delves into the life-course challenges faced by children with disabilities, from early childhood through adulthood, and suggests strategies for early detection, inclusive education and social integration. Finally, the chapter outlines an actionable agenda for disability inclusion, highlighting key enablers such as policy coherence, community participation and technology-driven solutions. By framing a comprehensive approach to disability rights and inclusion, this chapter contributes to the discourse on equitable development and the realization of a more inclusive society.