Making disability inclusion a reality: Why 2026 must be a year of action

BANGALORE: As 2025 draws to a close, conversations around disability inclusion have become more visible across India and globally. There is growing recognition that inclusive societies are not just fairer, but stronger and more resilient. Yet, for millions of persons with disabilities, everyday life continues to be shaped by barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and access to basic services.

Reflecting on the progress made this year and the challenges that remain, Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India Trust, says, “As we close 2025, we reflect on a pivotal year for disability inclusion in India and globally. This month’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminded the world that building inclusive societies is an imperative and foundational to social progress itself.

The evidence is clear: when persons with disabilities and members of other marginalized communities drive solutions, those solutions work better for everyone. At CBM India, we see this principle proven time and again, through our work across healthcare, education, livelihood, humanitarian action, sports, and accessibility.

The data, however, tells a harder story too. While progress is undeniable, persons with disabilities continue to face a higher risk of unemployment, exclusion from education, social protection systems that are uneven in coverage, and navigate care systems that still treat inclusion and autonomy as negotiable.

At CBM India Trust, we have spent 2025 strengthening partnerships with governments, institutions, corporates, and communities to challenge these barriers. We continue working towards an India where persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups enjoy their entitlements and hold the authority to shape the systems that affect their lives. Because rights delayed are rights denied.

The opportunity is now. We invite you to join us, not as observers, but as partners in this work. Let 2026 be the year when disability inclusion is treated as what it is: a matter of equity, justice, and progress.”

Across sectors, there is clear evidence that inclusion works best when persons with disabilities are not just beneficiaries, but leaders and decision-makers. Programs shaped by lived experience are more effective, sustainable, and responsive to real needs. CBM India Trust’s work across healthcare, education, livelihoods, humanitarian response, sports, and accessibility reflects this approach.

Persons with disabilities remain more likely to be unemployed, excluded from formal education, and underserved by social protection systems. Many still encounter care and support systems that limit independence rather than enable it. These realities point to the need for stronger coordination, better implementation, and long-term commitment.

In response, CBM India Trust has focused on building partnerships throughout 2025, with governments, institutions, corporates, and community groups, to address these barriers at a systemic level. The goal is not short-term relief, but lasting change that ensures rights, dignity, and participation.

As the world looks ahead to 2026, the call is clear. Disability inclusion must be treated as a shared responsibility and a core development priority. It is not a matter of charity, but of justice and equal opportunity.