Status of disabled population in Karnataka

Disability as a universal phenomenon has been variedly defined. Currently disability definition follows the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health developed by WHO in 2001. However, disability has occupied a minor role in development policy and research circles. It is estimated that disability affects 10–15 per cent of adult worldwide. This paper attempts temporal analysis of persons with disabilities. The specific objectives of study are to examine the trends and pattern of differently abled in Karnataka and India to examine the educational status of disabled in Karnataka to offer policy suggestions for disabled in Karnataka. The study is based on secondary data only and collected from official documents, Census of India 2001 and 2011, and NSSO reports etc. The study reveals that upward trend from 2001 to 2011. It has increased from 2.13 percent to 2.21 percent in India and in Karnataka 1.78 percent to 2.17 percent increased during last decade from 2001 to 2011, and according to census of Karnataka, 2011 has a total disabled population of 13, 24, 205, with 7, 26, 521 (54.86%) males and 5, 97, 684 (45.14%) females. Among the disability Movement disability leading compared to other disability in State of Karnataka. The study would help in unravelling the problems of disabled population and its impact on overall development of a region. The study also contributes towards understanding of the policy of the government towards disabled persons. The present paper makes general analysis of district wise trends and pattern of disability and educational level of disabled population in Karnataka