Disability, Intersectionality and Deprivation: An Excluded Agenda

Social perspective on disability affirms that a large number of persons with disabilities struggle to lead a normal life because of stereotypical attitudes, social stigma, discrimination and neglect. Various socio-cultural conditions also interact with different types of disability in a complex manner to make the overall life qualitatively different. The critical issue is that the interface of disability with other social identities is more likely to compound problem, which by and large is overlooked. With the recognition that understanding the intersections of multiple forms of dis-crimination has a powerful human rights dimension and greater social significance for inclusion, this article is an attempt to examine the interface of disability and caste on living conditions of persons with disabilities. Drawing on data primarily from the latest National Sample Survey, the article throws light on the circumstances of the persons with disabilities across social groups, with a special focus on Dalits (scheduled castes) with disabilities. It is revealed that despite several special interventions for the social integration of dalits and persons with disabilities, dalits with disabilities are doubly disadvantaged. The article argues for the preferential support services and socio-psychological interventions for the group within the larger framework of inclusiveness.