Livelihood for youth with disabilities in 24 parganas south west bengal

Abstract

Youth symbolizes exciting possibilities and is associated with energy and enthusiasm. Among newlinethe youth, those with disabilities comprise an important yet neglected section. However, their newlineissues, especially those pertaining to livelihood, remain largely unaddressed. As they are newlineperceived to be largely dependent and passive, little is known about their struggles to find a newlinefoothold in society or about their efforts to etch out a living. newlineThis study is an attempt to understand the livelihood pursuits of Young persons with Disabilities newline(YWDs) through their perspective and their eyes. Challenging the perception of their inactive newlinelives, this study focuses on their experiences, going beyond their disability and looking at their newlinecapabilities. newlineReconstructing the work-lives of twenty individuals in the age-group of 24-35 years, the study newlinecaptures the experiences of these individuals. Based out of Mandirbazar Block of 24 Parganas newline(South) district of West Bengal, the present study engages in an in-depth study across seven newlinevillages of the block. It includes twelve individuals with orthopedic impairment, four individuals newlinewith visual impairments, two individuals with Cerebral Palsy and two individuals with hearing newlineand speech impairment. Respondents include twelve men and eight women. newlineThe study undertakes a qualitative inquiry using a semi- structured interview schedule to develop newlinecase-studies and analyze the findings producing descriptive narratives. It present an ethnographic newlineaccount of their lives, developed through a series of case studies formed by providing space for newlinethe respondents to articulate their experiences.