Published: January, 2025
Multiple legislative and policy reforms have been undertaken in the past decades, both domestically and internationally, to recognise and strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities. These efforts, although certainly not infallible, mark a first step towards addressing and redressing years of discrimination, by ensuring inclusion and participation in society.
Many of these efforts zero in on promoting dignified and meaningful employment. However, global workforce participation presents a striking disparity: while persons with disabilities constitute 16% of the world’s population, with 80% being of working age, only one-third actively participate in the workforce. This challenge is particularly acute in India, where official statistics from the late 2010s indicate that just 2.2% of the population has disabilities—a proportion significantly below global averages—of which merely one-fifth are employed. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address workplace accessibility and inclusion barriers.
Alongside the equity and rights-based concerns this situation raises, India also loses out from under-employing persons with disabilities—the economic case for inclusive employment is particularly compelling. Research indicates that countries can raise their GDP by three to seven percentage points by increasing the employment rate of persons with disabilities to match that of persons without disabilities. Despite common perceptions, workplace adjustments often involve minimal or one-time costs while yielding significant benefits in employee retention and productivity.
In light of these gaps, The Quantum Hub (TQH), and disability rights NGO Youth4Jobs (Y4J) have undertaken research and released two reports concerning workplace accessibility for persons with disabilities in India. Supported by Zoom India, these two reports delve into how the provision of reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities at the workplace, such as assistive technologies and flexible work, have proven effective in removing infrastructural barriers and enhancing their workforce participation. While TQH’s report highlights best practices emerging from a comprehensive review of Indian and global laws covering workplace accommodations, Y4J’s provides quantitative insights into the state of employment for this demographic in India, through a detailed survey of over 200 employees with disabilities.
The path forward requires integrating accessibility considerations into all aspects of workplace planning. While the initial investment in creating inclusive workplaces may seem challenging, the long-term benefits—both social and economic—make it an imperative for modern organizations and societies. A comprehensive approach, supported by clear policy frameworks and organizational commitment, will help create workplaces where persons with disabilities can participate fully and meaningfully in the workforce.
Read the reports here:
Y4J’s Survey Report on Accessibility Challenges in the Workplace
TQH’s Global Policy Review of Reasonable Accommodations