According to the census of 2002 in India 12 million Visually challenged and 6 million orthopaedic disabled people are identified who constitute 2 p.c. of population of India. 80% of people with disabilities live in rural areas. According to the survey conducted in 2000, only in Latur district, persons with visual impairment are 4,910 and physically handicapped persons recorded are 2,844.
Majority portion of disabled population belongs to families below poverty line since various studies have proved that there is direct correlation between poverty and lack of health, nutrition and medical care resulting in increasing number of disabled population.
Because of poverty most of the disabled especially rural disabled population is living in extreme pathetic and inhuman circumstances. The very known fact is that in rural area deprivation from education and lack of access to special services manifolds the difficulties in the life of disabled person since his/her childhood. Our experience of working with this disadvantaged section among disabled has revealed a reality that due to financial pressure and frustration, own family members, even parents and siblings consider disabled person as an unnecessary burden and sometime try to get rid of anyway
In case family is supportive, the disabled person gets care and space in family but commonly only still the parent earns, but once siblings get marry and take charge of family it is common experience that parents them selves do not get space in their own house. One can imagine what would be the situation of a disabled person who is entirely depends on the family. In our centre we have several examples that the disabled person has been forced to leave home and have been left abundant at railway station or street for pleading. After this painful experience with won family and finding self in helpless and pity situation some of our trainee while sharing their experiences tells that they had committed attempt to suicide to get rid of heartache struggle for survival.
Among disabled population illiterate rural disabled and women are most vulnerable and distressed segment. Case investigations reveal that parents are unable to take responsibility since them selves do not find space in separated nuclear families. Marriage of disabled girl is extremely difficult task. Under this social milieu women are the most distressed and disadvantaged section among women and disabled population since they are not only victims of impairment but also Poverty, patriarchy, and gender discrimination.
Individuals with disability can live a self–reliant, dignified life, also can contribute in economy and national income too provided they get an opportunity.
GSP’s approach and stand for rehabilitation of disabled individual is distinct since it strongly emphases on sustainable economic and social rehabilitation.
A rehabilitation model where a disabled person claims right to suitable vocation training and opportunity to live life with dignity. This endeavour is a need of an hour and organization is striving for the same.
