Disabilities in rural India

Anmol Sahu

Let me share something from my lived experience of disabilities in rural India and how education is a challenge.

I was born in Bhoma village in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh . I’m 22 years old now, and have studied at BBI (primary), Kurvey's New Model Public School (secondary), Vasantrao Naik Government Institute of Arts & Social Sciences (graduation) and Enable India (skill training). I’m now based in Bangalore, a working professional. 

As per census 2011, 69% of our population lives in rural India. Among them, there are significant number of persons with disabilities, about 2.6 crore.

Growing up in rural India, as visually impaired (VI), I have seen my own parents facing immense struggle in finding appropriate school for me. Right from the start, the journey is filled with lots of obstacles. Special school for VI are far and few, largely located in cities. Where do rural VI children go? Primary schools in the villages do not have accessibility measures, and no special teachers to teach us.

Parents find it difficult to accept that their child is disabled. Due to this constant denial, child will lose optimum time for education in some cases. As we all know the stigma attached to a disability in rural and to some extent in urban areas is deeply rooted due to misinformation, lack of awareness, and rigid believes, that makes even more difficult for parent to accept and find a way to help the child get education, healthcare and healthy environment to grow. Even if parents accepted the child as she/he is, they resort to absurd rituals, superstitions, quacks and home remedies, rather than finding early intervention and proven medical treatment. A precious time is lost.

When it is an undeniable fact, they will try to integrate child in stablished education systems like Anganwadi. In my case, I studied in Anganwadi for a year. But all will not have the same chance. A lot depends on community, parents and disability. Often, parents confine the child to home, assuming that the child is born with the fate.

There are various horrors of the society, like abandoning or killing the infant soon after birth. These are not some distant stories they are as real as you will get.

After Anganwadi if someone in the community knows about special school, they will tell. And then begins the school hunting. Main concerns for parents: school should not be too far from their town/ village, school should have good facilities and the child should be comfortable.

My education started with a special school which was very near our village. But due to lack of proper education and facilities, I used to run away to home every weekend. My parents decided to find another good school. We visited various schools, asked various people, travelled across the state and searched using various connections. And then got the one which got fit on our requirements – Blind Boys Institute, Nagpur, which was a turning point in my life. Back then, we were not aware of inclusive schools and that I regret till now. Special schools, with homogenous group of students, set systems, lack of exposure to the outside world, resistance to change and control by teachers - unknowingly restrict our growth. By the time person go’s out in real world, he has to change himself completely. Another drawback of special schools is that they have hostel, where children stay from very young age, say 6-8 years, missing out on loving care of the family. Children lose their identity, love and care in formative years. I remember, one of my friends from Arunachal Pradesh, who had to stay in a town 400 Kilometers away from his home town, and that was the only option! Higher education takes us farther from home town.

Looking back, I realize that everyone does not have the same luck. Many parents do not know if the child is able to learn and focus on studies or not. Many times, they do not have any other choice.

While the parents and child are adjusting with education, society continues to constantly taunt, pass derogatory remarks, use sarcastic words and keep reminding about their ‘ill luck’.

When it comes to higher education, PwDs themselves have to take their own decisions which is good and bad. Many a times, children have strong will to educate, sometimes not, but I feel, parents should be committed for their children’s education.

What are the solutions:

1.       Early intervention: Early intervention can make significant difference. There should be robust system in place for screening and identifying disability, providing care, education, therapies and assistance at an early age.

2.       Empowering Frontline Workers: community healthcare workers and anganwadi teachers are crucial in bridging the information gap. They must be trained to guide families effectively, providing accurate information about the nearest special and inclusive schools, available assistive devices, and relevant support services.

3.       Increased awareness for parents: parents should be made aware and convinced that a disable child too can live fulfilling life.

4.       Choices: There has to be enough choices of schools, colleges and training institutions to choose from.

Final thoughts:

While increased awareness in the digital age is a positive step, it is not enough. Meaningful change will only occur through systemic reforms and a rigorous effort from the government, NGOs, and society as a whole. Conducting conferences and seminars in urban centres is insufficient. Effective implementation of policies and programs at the grassroots level is essential. We must move beyond mere discussion and ensure that individuals with disabilities in rural India have the opportunity to access the education they deserve.

 

Anmol Sahu, Marketing Executive, Multifly Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore.

21st May, 2025.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.