Improving the rights of persons with disabilities in India

Danish member organisation: Disabled Peoples Organisations - Denmark (DPOD)
Partner organisation: National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP)
Duration: 1. January 2010 - 31. December 2012
Budget: 2.999.014 DKK

Development objective:

The rights of people with disabilities in India improved

Immediate Objectives:

1. By 2012 the UNCRPD (especially article 33 and 31) have been promoted in the Indian society by the disability movement.
2. Institutional capacity of NCPEDP and the disability sector in India strengthened as an effective and united advocator of the rights of people with disabilities by 2012.

Target groups:

The primary target group comprises disabled people and their families in India. As a result of the advocacy focus of the project it is envisioned to benefit all people with disabilities in India. For example the Census campaign will reach out to persons with disabilities and their families living in all parts of India, including the remotest corners of the country (targeting 70 million people with disabilities and their families). Furthermore the Disability Sector (DPOs/NGOs/self-help groups) and Allied Sectors (human rights, women and child rights) will be part of the primary target group as they will be used as a medium to reach out to a large number of people. NCPEDPs National Disability Network (NDN) Partners (all 320 members will particularly play a very important role) and are a central target group. It is envisioned that the project will reach at least 30.000 persons with disabilities through its activities with an equal focus of men, women, and youth.  The National Committee  has leaders with disabilities as its members (about 20-25 disability leaders), which will be empowered. It is central that the National Committee has a gender balance. The leadership building programme will focus on youth with disabilities. At the end of Year 3, NCPEDP will have at least 25 young disabled people leading or driving the disability movement locally as well as nationally. For building leadership among youth with disabilities, gender balance will be a central aspect by ensuring an equal participation. Moreover it will be ensured that that women and youth will be involved and active in the advocacy campaigns to ensure testimonies of both women and youth.

The secondary target group will consist of Policy Makers (politicians, bureaucrats), the media, and the general population/communities. For advocacy purposes on the UNCRPD and establishment of a Focal Point, NCPEDP will focus on the highest political level - The President and Prime Minister’s Offices. For the Census issue, NCPEDP will be interacting with the Home Ministry, Census Commissioners and the various local level officials. Planning Commission and other concerned Ministers will be approached based on the issue and the need. With regard to the media, NCPEDP will mobilise national newspapers / news agencies and national channels. NGOs, partners and national committee members will reach out to local media.

For further information about the project, please contact:

Peter Rothe Schultz
Phone: +45 3638 8513
E-mail: prs@handicap.dk