On The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Amir Suhail Wani, the Srinagar-based author and columnist, who was born with Celebral Palsy, speaks about the indifference of society towards people with disabilities 

Amir Suhail Wani

As the world observes the International Day of Disabled Persons, speeches and discussions are being held around the globe, yet the reality for individuals with disabilities remains unchanged. Despite the surge in awareness campaigns and the public discourse surrounding disability rights, the suffering of persons with disabilities continues, and their struggles seem to accumulate rather than subside.

This troubling pattern reveals a harsh truth: society’s conscience has not been sufficiently stirred. The indifference and insensitivity shown toward people with disabilities remain pervasive, marking the actions of the majority. The laws that have been enacted, while appearing progressive on paper, have proven ineffective in curbing the violence, discrimination, and injustice inflicted upon people with disabilities—both in structural institutions and informal settings.

Society has maintained a status quo of marginalization, reinforcing the exclusion of people with disabilities from equal participation in daily life. This persistent social numbness has only deepened the crisis that people with disabilities face, preventing them from leading lives of dignity and respect.

Daily, individuals with disabilities are subjected to a relentless cycle of ridicule, mockery, and bullying. They are often seen as objects of satire, with their struggles dismissed as mere sources of amusement for others. This cruel attitude, in which bullying is legitimized and normalized, compounds the physical difficulties they face. In turn, the mental anguish these individuals endure is often overlooked.

The emotional toll of this maltreatment is devastating—people with disabilities are not only dealing with the physical limitations of their conditions but also with the ongoing psychological damage inflicted by the cruelty and ignorance of others. It is this toxic combination of physical and mental suffering that makes their journey so much more difficult.

The challenge of restoring dignity to people with disabilities, therefore, requires a comprehensive approach—one that addresses both ethical and legal dimensions. At the heart of the issue lies a widespread, deeply ingrained societal belief that people with disabilities are somehow less human or inferior to able-bodied individuals.

The author addressing a public gathering, defeating difficulty in speech

This prejudice is rooted in the notion that a person’s worth is determined by their ability to contribute to society in a productive, material sense. Eastern and Western civilizations have long defined an individual’s value based on their capacity to contribute to economic growth or social progress. In a world where the measure of a person’s worth is often reduced to their ability to generate wealth, support themselves independently, and embody physical strength, those with disabilities are tragically sidelined. This view, which reduces human dignity to practical merit, has exposed individuals with disabilities to discrimination, marginalization, and exclusion.

The problem is compounded by the fact that able-bodied individuals often struggle to comprehend the full scope of challenges faced by people with disabilities. While their struggles are visible on the surface, the psychological and emotional complexities of living with a disability are vast and often invisible to those who do not share these experiences.

Only those who live with a disability can fully understand the layers of frustration, isolation, and pain that come with navigating a world that is not designed to accommodate their needs. The hardships faced by individuals with disabilities are not merely physical—they are profoundly emotional and psychological, often leaving them feeling invisible, broken, or less than human.

This lack of understanding and support is further amplified by the broader societal structures that continue to marginalize people with disabilities. The lack of accessible infrastructure, social acceptance, and adequate logistical support only deepens the divide. Social attitudes, fuelled by ignorance and ingrained biases, perpetuate a framework in which disabled people are continually pushed to the periphery. This creates a vicious cycle where the challenges of living with a disability are exacerbated by a society that refuses to adapt and provide the necessary support.

Moreover, the economic lens through which society evaluates individuals has had particularly harmful consequences for people with disabilities. In a world that places so much value on productivity and financial contribution, people with disabilities are too often seen as burdens or as less valuable members of society.

This narrow perspective has obstructed their ability to claim their rightful place in society as equals, denying them access to the dignity and respect that all human beings deserve. The inability to contribute economically does not diminish their value as human beings, yet society continues to evaluate their worth in terms of their economic output. This creates a climate where people with disabilities are denied the most basic rights—rights that should be afforded to all people, regardless of their economic value or physical capabilities.

A fundamental shift in societal outlook is urgently needed. People must be respected not for their economic contributions, but for the inherent sanctity and dignity of their lives. Human beings should be valued for their intrinsic worth, not their ability to "produce" or "contribute" in a material sense. This shift in perspective is critical if we are to move toward a world where every individual—regardless of their physical ability—is treated with respect, kindness, and fairness.

This call for change is deeply personal to me. As someone living with cerebral palsy, my life has often felt like an uphill battle. Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement and posture. t's caused by damage that occurs to the developing brain, most often before birth. 

Despite my academic and social successes, achieved through sheer determination and hard work, the dignity I strive for remains elusive. Every day, I endure insults and marginalization, often from those who do not understand my condition. They mock me, passing hurtful and demeaning remarks without a second thought. It is a daily struggle, one that weighs heavily on the mind and spirit. I often think of those who are less privileged than I am—those who have no platform or means to voice the mistreatment they suffer. The psychological toll of such experiences is devastating. The damage is not just temporary; it lingers, leaving scars that may never fully heal.

If merit, resilience, and academic achievement cannot guarantee a person with a disability the dignity and respect they deserve, then what does it take to secure this most basic right? Dignity should not be conditional on one’s economic value or physical abilities. It is a fundamental human right, one that should be afforded to every individual, regardless of their circumstances. When people with disabilities are mistreated, marginalized, and made to feel they are inferior or unworthy, the consequences are severe. These actions lead to a profound sense of insecurity, depression, and a pervasive sense of meaninglessness. It is a cycle that undermines their mental health and makes life feel unbearable.

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The question we must all ask ourselves is simple: What more must be done to ensure that people with disabilities are granted their right to a life of dignity and respect? This is not merely a question of laws or policies; it is a question of humanity. We must begin to recognize that the value of a person cannot be measured solely by their ability to contribute to society in material terms. Every person, regardless of ability, deserves to live with dignity, to be treated with respect, and to have the opportunity to be part of society without fear of discrimination or harm.

Until we can provide this for everyone, the struggle for equality, justice, and dignity will continue.