Women with Disability & Indian Legal Framework Challenges and Opportunities

Disability is a complex social issue and it is increasingly becoming a major concern all over the world. The number of disabled people is increasing across the world due to various reasons. Disabled people comprise a significant minority in most countries and their number also constitutes one of the largest minorities in the world. Among countries with comparable levels of income, India has one of the more progressive disability policy frameworks. This paper focuses on state-level variations in outcomes for women with disabilities to provide an explanation for the contrast between the liberal laws on paper and the challenges faced by women with disabilities in practice. In this research paper the researcher want to give much emphasis on the various legal provisions and Laws available in our country and make a systematic study on how these laws have contributed towards the development of legal status of the disabled persons in India. They faced direct and indirect discrimination and were not able to enjoy the full spectrum of civil, political, social, cultural and economic rights. Whatever the perception of the society towards the women with disabilities may be, it has to be fundamentally accepted that disabled people are integral part of our society. Therefore to incorporate provisions regarding accessibility in legislations and to execute them is the need of the hour, including the removal of discriminatory provisions that are still prevalent in some legislation. However, laws and policies alone may not be enough. Public perception, attitude and awareness have significant role to play. There is a need for social change through public awareness. There should be endeavor for attitudinal changes in the sense of bringing a culture of belonging. The public in general may be empowered and educated to take action and advocate the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women with disabilities.