Disability Rights Advocacy Group (DRAG)

|| Nihil de nobis, sine nobis || | Disability Rights Advocacy Group | | Cross Disability Rights | | Diversity & Inclusion | #UNCRPD | Founder @akeel_usmani

[Kavita Bajeli-Datt @KavitaDatt]

Mental disorders now world’s leading cause of disability: Lancet Study https://t.co/w3onmhs3s4

@NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @TheLancet @MoHFW_INDIA @OfficeofJPNadda @JPNadda

[Divyang Empowerment @socialpwds]

Schizophrenia is not a “split personality.”
It is not violence.
And it is not hopeless.

Behind every diagnosis is a person who deserves understanding, dignity, treatment, and support.

This World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, let’s replace myths with facts and stigma with compassion. Early support, therapy, medication, rehabilitation, and community care can help people live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

👂 Listen without judgement
🤝 Support without fear
💜 Care without stigma

Because recovery is possible when society chooses empathy over stereotypes.

#WorldSchizophreniaAwarenessDay #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #SchizophreniaAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #SupportRecovery #InclusionMatters

[NCPEDP @ncpedp_india]

The Unique Disability ID (UDID) is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at creating a national database for Persons with Disabilities. It has also become essential for accessing various social welfare schemes and government benefits.

The UDID card is an important step towards recognition, inclusion, and easier access to entitlements for persons with disabilities. However, many people are still unaware of the process, benefits, and required documentation.

As @akeel_usmani , Legal Aid Coordinator at NCPEDP, highlighted in @ThePrintIndia , India needs large-scale awareness campaigns on disability rights and UDID registration in mission mode.

Watch the full video: https://t.co/BJQytlfNCc

For queries related to applying for UDID or accessing disability-related entitlements, contact the NCPEDP Helpline: [phone], Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM

@Mphasis @MSJEGOI @socialpwds @PIB_India @armanaly @drag_org

#NCPEDP #UDID #RPwDAct

[NCPEDP @ncpedp_india]

The UDID was envisioned as a single, universal identity to simplify access for persons with disabilities. But @ThePrintIndia report shows how repeated verification, unclear processes, lack of awareness, inaccessible digital systems, and uneven implementation across states continue to make persons with disabilities prove themselves again and again.

@akeel_usmani , Legal Aid Coordinator at NCPEDP, puts it plainly: a card has meaning only when it is accepted on the ground. Central and state governments must close this gap so that UDID is recognised uniformly across systems and becomes a gateway to rights and entitlements, not another barrier.

Read the full report - https://t.co/ijrFgxpXls

@Mphasis @MSJEGOI @socialpwds @PIB_India @armanaly @drag_org

#NCPEDP #UDID #RPwDAct

[Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, ILS, Pune @CMHLPIndia]

Rising suicides among young people, increasing student distress, and the disproportionate impact on low-income groups point to deeper social and economic challenges. Read the full policy brief:https://t.co/ApERuXnnLW

[NCPEDP @ncpedp_india]

The conversation on universal health coverage must include persons with disabilities, not as an afterthought, but as people whose healthcare needs are often continuous, layered, and expensive.

NCPEDP’s White Paper, "Inclusive Health Coverage for All", brings this gap into focus. Our research suggests that more than 80% of persons with disabilities do not have access to health insurance. Behind this figure are individuals and families paying out of pocket for needs central to health, dignity, mobility, education, work, and independent living.

India’s move towards universal health coverage will remain incomplete unless these realities are recognised. Health coverage must include persons with disabilities in practice, not only in principle. On the occasion of Ayushman Bharat Diwas, NCPEDP strongly urges inclusion of people with disabilities at par with senior citizens above the age of seventy (70) years. 

Link to NCPEDP’s White Paper on Health : https://t.co/ZeuJpFpYTc

NCPEDP Helpline : [phone]

@armanaly @Mphasis
@AyushmanNHA @MoHFW_INDIA @OfficeOf_MM @mansukhmandviya @PIB_India @socialpwds @MSJEGOI @Drvirendrakum13 @NITIAayog @HealthParliamnt @irdaindia

#AyushmanBharatDiwas #UniversalHealthCoverage #DisabilityRights #InclusiveHealthcare #HealthForAll #NCPEDP

[Divyang Empowerment @socialpwds]

Every Child is Unique. Every Child Matters

Disability is not a limitation—it’s a different way of experiencing the world. And for every child with a disability, family awareness makes all the difference.

When families choose understanding over judgment,
acceptance over hesitation and encouragement over doubt....
they create a space where children don’t just live… they thrive.

✨ Support builds confidence
✨ Inclusion begins at home
✨ Awareness leads to empowerment

Let’s break the stigma, start conversations, and stand together to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Because when families are strong, children shine brighter.

#InclusiveSociety #FamilySupport

[NCPEDP @ncpedp_india]

As elections approach in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, ensuring accessible polling stations is critical to meaningful participation for persons with disabilities. 

Recognizing this, NCPEDP is conducting Accessibility Audit Survey of Polling Stations to understand on-ground realities and identify gaps in access at polling stations. We invite persons with disabilities, caregivers, volunteers, and citizens to share their experiences and help build evidence for more inclusive elections.

West Bengal Poll Dates: April 23 & April 29
Tamil Nadu Poll Date: April 23
Counting Day: May 4

Scan the QR code or find the Survey links below :
- Bengali form: https://t.co/rQ7RG1Q1nA…
- Tamil form: https://t.co/jwP18F3jAo…
For any questions or support, reach out to us at NCPEDP Helpline - 91-9217345677

@ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @CEOWestBengal @TNelectionsCEO @socialpwds @Office_of_CCPD @Tn_Diff_abled @TNDIPRNEWS @MSJEGOI @socialpwds @Mphasis @armanaly

#AccessibleElections #Elections2026 #MeraVoteMeraBharat

[Disability Rights Advocacy Group (DRAG) @drag_org]

Empowerment begins with awareness #UNCRPD #RPwDAct2016 #InclusionForAll
#RespectEveryAbility #NotNowThenWhen
#NowIsTheTime
#ActNowForInclusion

[Divyang Empowerment @socialpwds]

गांव-गांव में जागरूकता, हर दिल में सम्मान

दिव्यांगता को समझना ही सशक्तिकरण की पहली सीढ़ी है।
जब जानकारी बढ़ती है, तो भेदभाव घटता है और अवसरों के नए रास्ते खुलते हैं।

स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं तक पहुंच, समय पर जांच और सामुदायिक सहयोग से
हर दिव्यांगजन जी सकता है एक सम्मानजनक और आत्मनिर्भर जीवन।
आइए, मिलकर बनाएं एक ऐसा ग्रामीण भारत
जहां हर व्यक्ति को मिले समान अवसर और सम्मान

#सशक्तदिव्यांगजन_समर्थभारत

@PMOIndia @Drvirendrakum13 @blvermaup @mygovindia @MyGovHindi @MoRD_GoI @PIB_India @PIBHindi @pib_MoSJE

[NCPEDP @ncpedp_india]

As India moves towards women’s reservation and a possible expansion of legislative seats, Arman Ali (@armanaly ), Executive Director, NCPEDP, calls for reservation for persons with disabilities in Parliament and State Assemblies.

@Bajaj_Finserv @MSJEGOI @socialpwds @PMOIndia @LokSabhaSectt @loksabhaspeaker @ombirlakota @MinistryWCD @VPIndia @rashtrapatibhvn @mpa_india @rajyasabhatv
@narendramodi @HMOIndia @RahulGandhi
@NitinNabin @yadavakhilesh @kharge @BJP4India @INCIndia @NCPspeaks @samajwadiparty
@AITCofficial @AamAadmiParty

#WomenReservation #LegislaturesForDisability #DisabilityInclusion #PoliticalParticipation #MeraVoteMeraBharat

[Divyang Empowerment @socialpwds]

Autism is not a limitation—it’s a different way of experiencing the world.
Let’s move beyond awareness and build a society rooted in acceptance, inclusion, and respect.

✨ Every individual on the autism spectrum has unique strengths and talents
✨ Inclusion begins with understanding and empathy
✨ Small steps can create big changes in making spaces accessible for all

Together, let’s celebrate diversity and empower every voice to be heard.

#WorldAutismAwarenessDay #AutismAcceptance #InclusionMatters #Neurodiversity

@PMOIndia @Drvirendrakum13 @blvermaup @mygovindia @PIB_India @NIEPID @RaviNIEPID @NIEPIDMSEC @niepidrcnoida86

[Disability Rights Advocacy Group (DRAG) @drag_org]

Let us be counted! We the #Personswithdisabilities, our number matters in #Census2027! Pragati & Vikas, the friendly faces guiding the way -join the movement & make our mark! #Census2027 #InclusionMatters #NothingWithoutUs @socialpwds @pib_MoSJE @HMOIndia #PragatiAurVikas

[Census India 2027 @CensusIndia2027]

Meet our Mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’!

Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, unveiled the official mascots for #Census2027 in New Delhi.
The mascots "Pragati" (female enumerator) and "Vikas" (male enumerator) will serve as the friendly faces of the #Census2027 publicity campaign, helping to communicate key messages and encourage participation in this important National exercise.

मिलिए हमारे शुभंकर ‘प्रगति’ और ‘विकास’ से ।

माननीय केंद्रीय गृह एवं सहकारिता मंत्री अमित शाह ने नई दिल्ली में #Census2027 के लिए आधिकारिक शुभंकर का अनावरण किया।

ये शुभंकर “प्रगति” (महिला प्रगणक) और “विकास” (पुरुष प्रगणक) हैं, जो #Census2027 के प्रचार अभियान के मित्रवत चेहरे बनेंगे। ये दोनों पात्र जनगणना से जुड़े महत्वपूर्ण संदेशों को लोगों तक सरल और प्रभावी तरीके से पहुँचाने तथा इस महत्वपूर्ण राष्ट्रीय अभियान में अधिक से अधिक लोगों की भागीदारी सुनिश्चित करने में मदद करेंगे।

@HMOIndia
@PIBHomeAffairs
@PIB_India
#Census2027 #PragatiAurVikas

[Advocate Akeel Ahmad Usmani @akeel_usmani]

We the (Persons with Disabilities) will be the decisive force in making India the world's third-largest economy. #NothingWithoutUs #Empowered #UNCRPD #RpwdAct2016

[Advocate Akeel Ahmad Usmani @akeel_usmani]

You were the only one like yourself. remains our inspiration and guiding light forever! Javed Never dies. #JavedAbidi #FatherofIndianDisabilityMovement #DisabilityRights #DisabilityInclusion #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

[NCPEDP @ncpedp_india]

Today, NCPEDP launched its report on the “Access to Justice for People with Disabilities”, centred on the lived realities of persons with disabilities and their challenges in accessing the fundamental right of Access to Justice.

Drawing from data collected from 30 states through field visits, Key Informant Interviews, and RTI responses, the report documents persistent barriers within justice institutions - from inaccessible infrastructure and communication systems, to limited accessibility in court rooms and negligible representation in legal aid data, where persons with disabilities account for less than 1% of beneficiaries nationally.

The findings call for systemic reform across policing, judiciary, and legal aid to ensure that access to justice is not denied in practice.

The full report will be available to read shortly. Stay tuned

@Mphasis @MSJEGOI @socialpwds @NALSAR_Official @AmitaDhanda @as_narayanan @armanaly @DeepaNagraj @drag_org @akeel_usmani @thatrightsguy

#AccessToJustice #DisabilityInclusion #RPwDAct #NCPEDP

[Javed Ahmad Tak @jsocialactivist]

Appeal from the Disability sector of Jammu and Kashmir to all MLAs @sunilsharmamla @parawahid @khadime_langate @sajadlone @TariqKarra @BhatNizamuddin @Irfanhafeezlone

[Javed Ahmad Tak @jsocialactivist]

Protesting for Budget benifits in favour of persons with Disabilities @OfficeOfLGJandK

[ALIMCO @ALIMCOHQ]

Budget 2026–27 | Strengthening ALIMCO for Divyangjan Empowerment

The Budget 2026–27 takes a significant step in Divyangjan empowerment, enabling ALIMCO to scale up assistive device production, invest in R&D and AI integration, and expand PMDK support. Modern AT Marts will let Divyangjan and senior citizens see, try, and purchase devices, reinforcing ALIMCO’s commitment to inclusive access, dignity, and #AtmanirbharBharat, following the vision of Hon’ble PM Shri @NarendraModi.

#ViksitBharatBudget

@PMOIndia
@narendramodi
@nsitharaman
@Drvirendrakum13
@blvermaup
@RamdasAthawale
@sansad_tv

@socialpwds=
@MSJEGOI

[ALIMCO @ALIMCOHQ]

बजट 2026–27: एलिम्को को बल, दिव्यांगजन को संबल 🇮🇳

एक समावेशी भारत की ओर ऐतिहासिक कदम!

🔹 दिव्यांग सहारा योजना: ALIMCO के लिए विशेष पैकेज—उत्पादन वृद्धि, R&D और AI इंटीग्रेशन पर जोर।
🔹 PM दिव्याशा केंद्र: और अधिक सशक्त होंगे।
🔹 मॉडर्न AT Marts: दिव्यांगजन व वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के लिए सहायक उपकरण हेतु 'Try & Buy' अनुभव वाले केंद्र।

तकनीक और संवेदना का अद्भुत संगम! ✨

#ViksitBharatBudget2026 #ALIMCO #Divyangjan #InclusiveIndia #AtmanirbharBharat #AIforGood

[NCPEDP @ncpedp_india]

Over years of sustained engagement and advocacy, disability priorities are beginning to find space in policy. We welcome the disability-focused measures announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 by @nsitharaman aimed at strengthening livelihood pathways for persons with disabilities.

Key proposals include :
1. Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for customised, industry-linked skilling
2. ⁠ Divyang Sahara Yojana, continued support to @ALIMCOHQ , investments in assistive technology and R&D and strengthening of PM Divyasha Kendras.

The increase in allocation from ₹1,275 crore (BE 2025–26) to ₹1,669.72 crore (BE 2026–27) signals growing policy attention. What will matter now is effective implementation and last-mile access so these measures translate into real outcomes on the ground.

@FinMinIndia @PMOIndia @MSJEGOI @socialpwds @armanaly @Mphasis

#UnionBudget2026 #DisabilityInclusion #PersonsWithDisabilities #Divyangjan #AssistiveTechnology #InclusiveLivelihoods #DisabilityRights #AccessibleIndia #InclusiveDevelopment #PolicyToPractice #NCPEDP