Invisible No More - A sneak peek into the lives of CLswD and existing provisions for them!

I am writing this for each one of us to understand and reflect on why we are failing in making arrangements for welfare of persons with different abilities to an extent and that this population also consists of youth who are care experienced as well. Are we fulfilling the needs of this population? are we really aware of those youth who are with some different abilities and on top of this, their care leaving struggle.

In my article below, I am going to share my learnings and insights for the welfare of this population of youth that is highly vulnerable and need immediate interventions. I will also talk about the so-called inclusion which is apparently not there for PwDs

I'm a care leaver in India, raised in a child care institution. For a long time, I felt alone in my struggles. But when I met other care leavers with disabilities, I realized we share a story. Even without a disability, care leavers face challenges getting an education and finding jobs. We lack support – from documents to guidance – to live independently and reach our full potential. 

What about the persons who are differently abled and over that a care leaver?

Now imagine the double difficulty for care leavers with disabilities. They face not only the trauma of leaving care but also the stigma and pain of being disabled and considered "useless." I am in contact with such care leavers friends and have visited two organizations that work for youth and children with different abilities that consist of youth who are from care systems. Only limited  institutions work inclusively for persons with different abilities whether they have a care history or not genuinely. 

"Leaving care was hard enough, but navigating this world with a disability feels like living on a different planet. I reach out to friends, hoping to connect, but they either don't hear me or look right through me. It's like I'm invisible. It shatters me, leaves me utterly alone." Shared by Amu.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) offers hope with job reservations and education support. However, accessing these benefits is tough for care leavers with disabilities. Often, they lack proper documents or even awareness of these programs. This creates a cycle of struggle that's hard to break.

They need better support – career guidance, skills training, and independent living skills that are accessible and are crucial. Many care leavers with disabilities don't know what jobs they can do or how to get the training they need. Increased awareness is also essential. People need to understand the challenges they face and the potential they have. Training programs must be inclusive and cater to all abilities. they also need dedicated quotas under the RPWD to ensure fair and accessible opportunities. The government and NGOs can play a vital role in helping us. Creating special funding for care leavers with disabilities to access training and education would be a huge step forward. They can also help us find organizations that support people with disabilities, connecting us with the resources we need. Long-term mentorship from guardians or mentors would provide invaluable support.

Their only hope is from all of us that world recognized care leavers with disabilities as visible and understood. they deserve the same opportunities as everyone else. Programs need to be inclusive so they can participate and reach their full potential. Society needs to recognize their abilities and let them contribute. This isn't just the story of one but of countless others face similar struggles. Let's break down the barriers and build a future where every care leaver with a disability can achieve their dreams.

Together, we can create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or abilities. #CareLeaverwithdifferentabilitynotdisability  #DisabilityRights #EqualOpportunity

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