Disability Rights in India and Malaysia: Law, Policy and Practice in Comparative Perspective

Disability rights have increasingly become an integral part of the human rights framework, emphasizing dignity, equality, non-discrimination, accessibility, and meaningful participation. This study comparatively examines the legal frameworks, policy approaches, and practical implementation of disability rights in India and Malaysia. While both countries have undertaken significant legislative and policy initiatives to promote the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, they reflect different approaches. India has developed a comparatively strong rights-based framework focusing on equality, reasonable accommodation, accessibility, affirmative action, and equal opportunities. Malaysia, in contrast, has adopted a more policy-driven and welfare-oriented approach emphasizing social support, rehabilitation, and community-based initiatives. The study critically examines the implementation and enforcement of disability-related laws and policies and identifies the socio-economic, institutional, infrastructural, and attitudinal barriers that continue to affect persons with disabilities. The study seeks to identify areas of convergence and divergence between the two jurisdictions and to assess the gap between formal legal recognition and lived realities. It proposes reforms aimed at strengthening enforcement, institutional accountability, accessibility, awareness, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making.