Open minds and workplaces to those with disabilities

Kumar is a manager in a reputed bank. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 has provisions that promote non-discrimination in employment, vocational training and self-employment, Equal Opportunity policy in every establishment, appointment of grievance redressal officer in every establishment, 4% reservation of the total number of vacancies in the cadre strength in each group of posts, and identification of suitable posts. The UN has declared the theme of IDPD 2022 as “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: The role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.” The post-pandemic transition for people with disabilities will definitely benefit from the focus on ‘innovation’, ‘inclusive development’, and ‘an accessible and equitable world’. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022, let us re-dedicate ourselves to review Diversity and Inclusion with a disability lens and open up employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The article has been authored by Syamala Gidugu, executive director, AADI, an NGO whose initiatives include Jeevika, an employability programme focusing on work skills for people with disabilities and inclusive work environments.