A decade on, parents of disabled children still struggle for support

More than a decade after India enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, parents of children with disabilities report that systemic gaps persist in implementing the legislation's promises. Families across the country continue to navigate a complex landscape of limited resources, inadequate institutional support, and social stigma that compounds their daily struggles.

Parents interviewed describe the emotional and financial toll of raising differently abled children without sufficient state backing. Many report difficulty accessing quality education, healthcare services, and rehabilitation facilities tailored to their children's needs. The burden of care often falls entirely on families, with mothers frequently forced to abandon employment to provide full-time support.

While the 2016 legislation marked a significant step toward disability rights, experts point to gaps between policy and implementation. Officials acknowledge the need for greater investment in infrastructure, trained personnel, and community-based services to translate legislative intent into ground-level change.

Advocates and parents' groups have begun calling for accelerated implementation of the Act's provisions, particularly regarding inclusive education, vocational training, and long-term care planning. Many stress that without concrete policy action and resource allocation, the legal framework remains insufficient to improve the lives of millions of differently abled individuals and their families.