Lucknow,

26 Dec (HS): As 2025 draws to a close, conversations around disability

inclusion have become more visible across India and globally. There is growing

recognition that inclusive societies are not just fairer, but stronger and more

resilient. Yet, for millions of persons with disabilities, everyday life continues

to be shaped by barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and access to

basic services.

Reflecting

on the progress made this year and the challenges that remain, Sony Thomas,

Executive Director, CBM India Trust, says, “As we close 2025, we reflect on a

pivotal year for disability inclusion in India and globally. This month’s

International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminded the world that building

inclusive societies is an imperative and foundational to social progress

itself. The evidence is clear: when persons with disabilities and members of

other marginalized communities drive solutions, those solutions work better for

everyone.

At

CBM India, we see this principle proven time and again, through our work across

healthcare, education, livelihood, humanitarian action, sports, and

accessibility. The

data, however, tells a harder story too. While progress is undeniable, persons

with disabilities continue to face a higher risk of unemployment, exclusion

from education, social protection systems that are uneven in coverage, and

navigate care systems that still treat inclusion and autonomy as negotiable. At

CBM India Trust, we have spent 2025 strengthening partnerships with

governments, institutions, corporates, and communities to challenge these

barriers. We continue working towards an India where persons with disabilities

and other marginalized groups enjoy their entitlements and hold the authority

to shape the systems that affect their lives. Because rights delayed are rights

denied.”

The

opportunity is now. We invite you to join us, not as observers, but as partners

in this work. Let 2026 be the year when disability inclusion is treated as what

it is: a matter of equity, justice, and progress.” Across sectors, there is

clear evidence that inclusion works best when persons with disabilities are not

just beneficiaries, but leaders and decision-makers. Programs shaped by lived

experience are more effective, sustainable, and responsive to real needs. CBM

India Trust’s work across healthcare, education, livelihoods, humanitarian

response, sports, and accessibility reflects this approach.

Persons

with disabilities remain more likely to be unemployed, excluded from formal

education, and underserved by social protection systems. Many still encounter

care and support systems that limit independence rather than enable it. These

realities point to the need for stronger coordination, better implementation,

and long-term commitment. In response, CBM India Trust has focused on building

partnerships throughout 2025, with governments, institutions, corporates, and

community groups, to address these barriers at a systemic level. The goal is

not short-term relief, but lasting change that ensures rights, dignity, and

participation. As the world looks ahead to 2026, the call is clear. Disability

inclusion must be treated as a shared responsibility and a core development

priority. It is not a matter of charity, but of justice and equal opportunity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi