Locomotor Disability
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The 2018 film Zero had Shahrukh Khan playing the role of a person with dwarfism against Anushka Sharma who is on a wheelchair due to Cerebral Palsy. This was an interesting entry into the Bollywood Hall of fame, trying to normalize disability. 

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 define Locomotor Disability as a person’s inability to execute distinctive activities associated with movement of self and objects resulting from affliction of musculoskeletal or nervous system or both, including

  • Leprosy Cured Person 
  • Cerebral Palsy 
  • Dwarfism 
  • Muscular Dystrophy 
  • Acid Attack Survivors 

Locomotor disability can be classified as congenital and acquired, caused by a wide range of factors, including injury or illness. 

  • According to NSSO’s survey on Disability 2002, 
  • 10.6 million people have locomotor disability. 
  • Some of the major causes include polio, injury, stroke and other illnesses. 
  • Around 45% of locomotor disability is attributed to deformity of limb, and its other variations are dysfunctional joints of limbs, paralysis, loss of limbs, or any other bodily deformity. 
  • The common causes of congenital locomotor disability are also meningocele, meningomyelocele, phocomelia, Congenital Talipes EquinoVarus (CTEV) etc.
  • Acquired locomotor disability can be caused by tuberculosis of the spine or other joints, chronic osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, leprosy, encephalitis, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS etc.

Many people with locomotor disabilities use mobility aids, such as prosthetic limbs, crutches, or wheelchairs, to help them move around. These aids can provide independence and improve quality of life. 

Adaptive sports and other activities also provide opportunities for socialization, physical activity, and personal growth. 

However, accessibility remains a major issue for people with locomotor disabilities. Many buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems are not designed to accommodate those with mobility impairments in our country. 

By advocating for disability rights and raising awareness about the needs of people with locomotor disabilities, we can work towards a more inclusive and accessible society for all. 

There are NGOs working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. 

Listing a few here. 

The Association of People with Disabilities 

Amar Jyoti Charitable trust

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More Resources

Familiarize yourself with and expand your vocabulary of disability-related terminology! 
T - Training
Y - Youth program
R - Reasonable Accommodation
I - Intervention
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