The 2025 theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is ‘Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress’. Giving a call for reflection on this day, a person with disability expresses what the day means
As the world observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I urge everyone — policymakers, builders, educators, employers, and citizens — to pause and reflect. Before denying accessibility, imagine yourself in the place of a person with a disability. Imagine depending on others for things you could easily do if only the environment was accessible. Imagine facing barriers every day that were never created for you, yet still block your path.
Accessibility is not an extra feature. It is not a special favour. It is a constitutional, moral, and human right. Goa has taken strong steps toward inclusion. The government, State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Department for Empowerment of PwDs, and NGOs like NAB Goa are working tirelessly. But real change will happen only when society changes its mind-set.
In today’s digital world, mobile phones, laptops, and smart gadgets are designed with the principle of universal access. Manufacturers understand that technology must work for every user — persons with disabilities (PwDs) and those without — because equal access is a basic human right, not a privilege.
Yet, when we step away from the digital world and into our physical surroundings, the situation changes drastically. Many builders, engineers, and architects still fail to consider accessibility in the design of public spaces, offices, transport systems, and even essential services. And when PwDs ask for corrections or demand barrier-free access, some people behave as if they are doing us a favour. Let us be very clear that accessibility is not charity and inclusion is not kindness, it’s our right.
Why Did the RPWD Act 2016 come into existence? India first enacted the Persons with Disabilities Act in 1995. But in the 21 years that followed, real change was slow. Accessibility — physical, digital, attitudinal, and social — remained a distant dream for millions. That is why the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 came into force: To make rights stronger, implementation clearer, and accountability stricter. Today, in 2025, the law is strong. The institutions are active. But what still lags behind is the mind-set of many people.
The mind-set
This question is asked too often — and it reveals the core of the problem. People who do not face barriers cannot imagine how essential accessibility is. To them, a ramp, tactile paving, accessible websites, or audio-friendly public announcements feel optional. They assume that only a handful will benefit. But accessibility is not about numbers. It is about rights, dignity, independence, and equality.
And truthfully, accessibility benefits everyone — older persons, pregnant women, children, people with temporary injuries, and anyone navigating an unfamiliar environment. Yet, because of this “it’s not important” mindset, countless projects remain non-compliant, and PwDs continue to suffer. When we raise our voices, some behave as though they are offering us charity. They must understand that they are fulfilling a legal obligation, not doing a favour.
Goa’s leadership: The Purple Fest
Recognising the need to transform attitudes, the Government of Goa, led by Subhash Paldesai, Minister for Social Welfare, and Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, launched something the world had never seen before — the International Purple Fest.
For the last three years, this festival has showcased the limitless abilities, talents, innovations, and achievements of persons with disabilities. NGOs like NAB Goa and many others have contributed significantly by empowering PwDs at the grassroots level.
The Purple Fest is not just an event — it is a movement, a message to the world: Disability does not mean inability. In fact, if you ask persons with disabilities themselves, we will tell you with confidence — the sky's the limit.
The real barriers are not disabilities, but attitudes
As a person with low vision, I can say that most challenges come not from disability but from the environment and the mind-set of society. People often assume what we can or cannot do without even asking us. They fear inconvenience, extra work, or cost. They forget that a barrier-free society is not merely desirable — it is mandatory under the RPWD Act 2016. We do not need sympathy. We need equal access, equal opportunity, and respect for our rights.
The time for excuses is over. The time for inclusion is now. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us commit to building a Goa — and an India — where accessibility is universal, unquestioned, and unconditional.
(The writer is the executive member of National Association for the Blind and advisory member for State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities, Goa)
