India's disabilities bill raises hopes of an end to discrimination

The Guardian
Long-awaited bill promises to grant millions of disabled people equal access to education and employment

More than 20 families came to Shanti Auluck's home in New Delhi with their sons, keen to arrange a marriage with her daughter. But after each visit came apologies and a change of heart. All of the families were put off by the fact Auluck has a son with Down's syndrome.
"There was this feeling that somehow he might have a negative impact on them, that he might rub off on them. There's a lot of ignorance about disability," Auluck said.

Finally Auluck, a mother of two and a doctor of psychology, learned to choose her words carefully. "I'd say yes I have a son. He has a job but he can't go into academia," she said.

For the 40-60 million people with mental and physical disabilities in India, discrimination and stigma are daily occurrences. In a country where social standing – including through marriage – is crucial, having a disability often means being relegated to the bottom of the pile.

"A lot of families keep their disabled children behind closed doors because they are embarrassed," said Auluck, director of Muskaan, a training and work centre for people with learning difficulties.

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