PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES - POLITY
Why in News?
The
Supreme Court of India has issued landmark guidelines to prevent stereotyping
and discrimination against persons with disabilities (PwDs) in visual media.
- The framework emphasizes
avoiding stigmatizing language, providing accurate representations, and
involving PWDs in content creation.
- This ruling builds upon
existing legislation like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules,
2017, highlighting a shift towards a human rights model that views PWDs as
integral members of society with equal rights.
About:
- As
per Census 2011, the number of Persons with Disabilities in
the country is 2.68 crore, which is 2.21% of the total
population of the country.
- As
per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, there
are 21 types of Disabilities which includes Locomotor Disability,
Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Speech & Language Disability,
Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Dwarfism
etc.
- Models
of Disability Rights: Disability rights are often viewed through different
models:
- Medical Model: Focuses
on the individual's impairment.
- Social Model: Considers
people with disabilities as part of society with the same rights as
everyone else.
Human Rights Model: An
evolution of the social model, emphasizing that individuals with disabilities
should enjoy all human rights equally.
The Supreme Court's framework aligns with
this model, obliging both government and private entities to
facilitate full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in
society.
Major
Initiatives for the Empowerment of PwDs
- PM-DAKSH (Divyang Skill
Development and Rehabilitation Scheme)
- Accessible India Campaign
- DeenDayal Disabled
Rehabilitation Scheme
- Assistance to Disabled
Persons for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances
- National Fellowship for
Students with Disabilities
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-supreme-court-ruling-on-portrayal-of-disability-in-films-explained/article68401128.ece