Chapter 3: Lived Experiences of Persons With Disabilities Who are Doubly Disadvantaged

In India, the population of persons with disabilities is estimated as 26.8 million of whom 15.7 million are in the age range 15–59 years (Census 2011). This has proved to be a challenge to the right to education, particularly when there is a situation of poverty and gender-specific issues, which along with disability, lead to further marginalisation. The study reported investigated factors that enabled and/or inhibited progress in the lives of people with disabilities who are doubly disadvantaged. The authors focused on the lived experiences of 14 persons with disabilities and collected data from them using semi-structured interviews. Interview responses were transcribed and coded and validated before grouping into themes of facilitators, inhibitors and opportunities for a better future. The results revealed that family support, support from members in the community and the confidence of persons with disability on their own capabilities were enabling factors. Lack of public awareness, poor facilities for continuing education, untrained teachers, lack of accessible environment and resources, the trauma of having to prove themselves to gain acceptance were inhibitors of their progress. Caregivers of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities expressed concern for their child's future. Poverty, living in remote areas and/or being a female formed further obstacles to accessing higher education and employment.