New thinking in the last century has radically changed political concepts that determine relations between the state and its citizens and between society and its members. New rights are now being defined although the ground realities have yet to change. Take the case of persons with disabilities. Until recently, providing them with care was perceived as charity. Today, they can legally claim respect for their dignity, inclusiveness in society, non-discrimination, and equality of opportunity as a matter of right. Disability is being redefined in a social rather than a physiological context. Sociologists and human rights activists now place the onus on society to make the necessary structural changes to enable persons with disabilities to realize their full possible and make a contribution to the state. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15 percent of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, and disability prevalence is higher in developing countries. If prevalence rates are in line with the global average of 15 percent, nearly 34 million people with disabilities could be living in Pakistan (in a projected population of 225 million). Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination: Disabled individuals have the right to be treated with pride and respect and should not be subject to perception on the basis of their disability. This includes equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and other services.
Education: Disabled persons have the right to access quality education. Complete education practices aim to ensure that disabled students are combined into mainstream educational settings and receive the essential support and accommodations to facilitate their learning.
Employment: Disabled individuals have the right to equal employment opportunities. Employers should make reasonable accommodations to ensure that the workplace is accessible and that disabled employees can perform their job duties effectively.
Accessibility: Public spaces, transportation, and information should be accessible to all, including those with disabilities. This includes physical accessibility (e.g., ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms) and digital accessibility.
Healthcare: Disabled individuals have the right to access healthcare services without discrimination. This includes access to specialized medical care and restoration services when needed.
Participation in Decision Making: Disabled individuals have the right to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. This includes involvement in policy development and the design of services that impact their well-being. Social Inclusion: Disabled persons have the right to be included in social and cultural activities in their communities. Efforts should be made to reduce social isolation and promote their participation in social life.
Independent Living: Many disabled individuals have the right to live independently and make choices about their daily lives. This may involve support services to facilitate independent living.
Legal Capacity: Disabled persons should be documented as having legal capacity, meaning they have the right to make decisions about their own lives, including decisions related to medical treatment, finances, and other personal matters. Protection from Abuse and Neglect: Disabled individuals have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, and manipulation. Safeguards should be in place to prevent these harms and address them when they happen.
Special Education Schools: Many government and private schools in Pakistan have special education programs for students with disabilities.
Deaf Reach Schools: Deaf Reach operates several schools across Pakistan, primarily for the deaf community, offering education and vocational training.
Dar ul Sukun: This organization provides care and education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Deaf and Dumb Institutes: Various institutes are dedicated to the education and development of deaf and mute individuals in different cities.
Disabled Welfare Association (DWA): DWA is an organization that works for the welfare and education of disabled individuals in Pakistan.
SOS Children's Village: They have facilities in various cities in Pakistan, providing education and support to orphaned and abandoned children, including those with disabilities.
Hope Uplift Foundation: This organization focuses on education and rehabilitation for children with disabilities.
Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP): promotes the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities and offers various programs, including education initiatives.
Society for the Rehabilitation of Special Children (SRSC): SRSC provides education, therapy, and vocational training for children with disabilities.
Chughtai Lab - The Trust: They have a special education program for children with autism.
National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2002: This policy outlines the government's commitment to providing equal opportunities to persons with disabilities in various areas, including education. It encourages the development of special education programs and facilities for disabled individuals.
The Pakistan Disability Act 2018: This is a comprehensive piece of legislation that addresses various aspects of disability rights in Pakistan, including education. It mandates that all educational institutions should provide inclusive education and reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities. It also established the National Commission on Rights of Persons with Disabilities to oversee the implementation of these rights.
Inclusive Education Policy 2009: This policy aims to promote inclusive education in mainstream schools. It encourages the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular schools and provides guidelines for accessible and inclusive educational practices.
Provincial Legislation: Each province in Pakistan may have its own specific legislation related to disability education. For example, the Punjab Inclusive Education Policy 2016
Quota System in Government Jobs: There is often a reserved quota for persons with disabilities in government jobs, including teaching positions. This provides opportunities for qualified disabled individuals to work as educators. Conventions and Treaties: Pakistan is a signatory to international conventions and treaties related to the rights of disabled persons, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). These international agreements also influence domestic policies and laws related to disability education.
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