1. The issue of homeless persons with mental disability
Introduction
- Problem: The prevailing socio-normative view of homeless persons with mental illness (HPMI) as mere “refuge seekers” has led to a rescue-oriented approach, often involving coercive institutionalization. This perspective overlooks the complexities of HPMI’s lives and their agency.
- Thesis: A paradigm shift is needed to recast care models for HPMI, prioritizing their rights, choices, and community integration. This involves challenging societal perceptions, strengthening support systems, and fostering economic inclusion.
- Challenging the Dominant Narrative
- Current Approach: The prevailing model focuses on rescuing HPMI from the streets and placing them in institutions like mental hospitals, shelters, or prisons.
- Limitations: This approach ignores the complexities of HPMI’s lives, their support networks, and their capacity for self-determination. It often leads to poor outcomes and perpetuates stigma.
- Need for a New Perspective: Recognizing the diversity of HPMI experiences and their ability to form meaningful connections within their communities is crucial for developing effective care models.
- The Role of Lived Experience
- Engagement with HPMI: Collaborating with HPMI as experts of their own experiences is essential for understanding their needs and developing person-centred care approaches.
- Support Networks: HPMI often rely on informal support systems, including fellow homeless individuals, local businesses, and pets, which contribute to their sense of belonging.
- Complex Realities: HPMI face multiple challenges, including poverty, discrimination, abuse, and exposure to harsh conditions, which exacerbate mental health symptoms.
- Transforming Care Delivery
- ECRC Model: The Emergency Care and Recovery Centers (ECRCs) in Tamil Nadu offer a promising model of community-based care within district hospitals.
- Benefits of ECRCs: These centers provide accessible, immediate care, reduce stigma associated with large institutions, and offer personalized attention.
- Small-Scale, Person-Centered Care: Shifting towards smaller care units with adequate staffing and focus on individual needs is essential for effective treatment and recovery.
- Overcoming Institutional Barriers
- Long-Term Institutionalization: Many HPMI experience prolonged stays in psychiatric facilities due to limited community reintegration options.
- Need for Community-Based Alternatives: Housing First and Tarasha models demonstrate the feasibility of providing comprehensive support within the community.
- Social Cooperatives: These initiatives empower HPMI to participate in the workforce while fostering social connections and economic independence.
- Reframing Support Measures
- Financial Inclusion: Providing financial assistance like disability allowances and facilitating access to banking services can empower HPMI.
- Social Protection: Strengthening social care and post-discharge support within the District Mental Health Program is crucial for long-term recovery.
- Economic Empowerment: Addressing systemic barriers, promoting affirmative action, and fostering social capital are essential for HPMI’s economic inclusion.
Conclusion
Recapitulate the importance of challenging the dominant narrative, prioritizing HPMI agency, and implementing community-based care models.
- Call to Action: Advocate for policy changes, increased investment in community-based services, and continued research to improve the lives of HPMI.
- Vision for the Future: Envision a society where HPMI have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute, free from stigma and discrimination.
2. Disability Reservations
Introduction
Recent controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar has sparked debate on disability reservations.
Former NITI Aayog CEO’s comments on reviewing reservations for PwDs fueled the debate, reflecting societal ableism.
Thesis: Disability reservations are essential to level the playing field for PwDs who face significant barriers in education, employment, and societal participation. Misuse of the system should be addressed through stringent punishment, not by reviewing the entire policy.
Data Points: Unemployment rate among PwDs: 23.8% (2018 NSSO) National Labour Force Participation Rate: 50.2% (2018 NSSO)
|
Challenges faced by PwDs:
- Infrastructural barriers, inaccessible education system, and exam formats designed for able-bodied individuals.
- High unemployment rate among PwDs (23.8% vs. national average of 50.2%) due to lack of accessible education, stigma, and lack of workplace accommodations.
- Real-life examples of PwDs facing discrimination in employment (Kartik Kansal, Ira Singhal).
Reservation policy as a leveler:
- Aims to provide equitable opportunities to PwDs.
- Isolated cases of misuse should not undermine the policy’s overall impact.
- Generalizations based on such incidents are unfair and counterproductive.
Addressing misuse:
- Stringent punishment for fraudulent claims like Puja Khedkar’s case.
- Supreme Court’s stance on misuse of scribes: focus on punitive action, not policy changes.
Flaws in the certification system:
- Outdated disability quantification system based on percentages instead of functional limitations.
- Inconsistent disability assessments (UPSC vs. government certification).
- Lack of specialists for various disabilities, leading to inaccessible and time-consuming process.
- Discrimination against individuals with invisible disabilities.
Conclusion
- Focus should be on reforming the certification system and addressing systemic issues.
- Disability reservations are crucial for PwDs’ inclusion and should be defended.
- Stringent action against misuse is necessary, but not a review of the entire policy.
