EMERGING TRENDS IN DISABILITY INCLUSION IN INDIA: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT POLICY MEASURES THROUGH CASE STUDIES OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN JAMMU

Abstract

Disability inclusion is a key priority in India's educational and social policy agenda, driven by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), and India's commitments to the UNCRPD and SDGs. Although these initiatives have strengthened the framework for inclusive education, implementation remains challenging. This paper reviews trends in disability inclusion in India through government policy measures and case studies of students with locomotor, hearing, and visual impairments in higher education institutions in Jammu. Using a qualitative case study approach, it synthesizes policy developments with students' lived experiences to assess current inclusion practices. Findings show that, despite progressive reforms, students still face inaccessible infrastructure, limited assistive technologies, inadequate learning materials, lack of sign language interpretation, poor digital accessibility, and delays in disability-related support. The experiences of visually impaired students highlight the need for accessible digital content, Braille resources, screen-reader-compatible platforms, and timely accommodations. The review notes a shift from a welfare-based model to a rights-based inclusive framework, but persistent gaps remain between policy and institutional implementation. It calls for monitoring, audits, disability support centres, faculty sensitization, investment in assistive technologies, and participation in governance.