Q1. What do you mean by disability? Discuss historical perspective of disability in the Indian context.
- Disability is an interaction between impairment and societal barriers, not just a medical condition.
- Ancient India viewed disability through a karmic lens, leading to stigma and exclusion.
- Medieval/Colonial periods continued neglect, focusing on custodial care rather than inclusion.
- Post-independence moved from charity to welfare, then to a rights-based approach.
Answer: Disability, as understood in the MVEI-014 course, refers to a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between a person's impairment and various attitudinal and environmental barriers. It is not merely a medical condition but rather a consequence of societal structures that prevent individuals with impairments from full and effective participation on an equal basis with others. This broad definition encompasses physical, sensory (such as visual or hearing impairments), intellectual, ...