Mr. Ramprasad will present his APS as per the details below:

Date: Thursday, 05 February 2026

Time: 1600 - 1730 hrs.

Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No.1

Meeting link: https://meet.google.com/kka-neyk-qkx

Title: Determinants of success in the engagement of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in livelihood ecosystems in India

Guides: Prof. Anand B. Rao and Dr. M. R. Seetharam

RPC members: Prof. Pankaj Sekhsaria,  Prof. Satish B. Agnihotri and Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan

Abstract:

Unemployment is one of the major problems reported across society, and disabled persons are no exception. In fact, among persons with disabilities (PwDs) who form 16% of the world's total population, the unemployment scenario is reported be more adverse. The situation is more complex in a rural setup, wherein a livelihood approach to work is prevalent, and disguised unemployment operates. In this context, livelihood is a complex matrix of assets/capitals (human, social, physical, financial, natural), farm and non-farm activities and involves access to institutions, networks and commons. Typically, it is a livelihood that people are mostly involved with, in most active hours of the day or in most active years of one's lifetime. We hypothesise that engagement in 'successful' livelihoods can lead to 'better' Quality of Life (QoL) and that various factors that influence livelihoods can be identified and modified. It is here that we would like to understand the various factors that influence a 'successful' livelihood pursuit for a PwD, specifically locomotor disability, as selected in the study. We also study the role of assistive technology (AT) as a factor in influencing livelihoods and Quality of Life (QoL). In this context literature review encompassing domains of disability, livelihoods, well-being /QoL and ATs has been undertaken. A mixed methods research approach wherein semi-structured interviews are proposed to be undertaken with 100 Persons with Locomotor Disabilities (PwLDs) engaged in active work and 100 PwLDs not yet actively working, mostly in and around the Mysuru and Kodagu districts of Karnataka. Post this survey, detailed qualitative interviews are proposed to be undertaken with 20 PwLDs who are selected based on purposive sampling. In accordance with this research approach, a pilot survey was conducted to validate the questionnaire. After the finalisation of the revised questionnaire, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 19 participants and a simple regression-based analysis was carried out on some of the data parameters collected. More statistical analyses involving the various variables against livelihood 'success' and QoL are in the pipeline. Going forward, data collection is proposed to be completed with firm timelines for carrying out a complete analysis. Eventually, the study is expected to come up with a framework involving various factors, including ATs, that could influence 'success' in livelihoods among PwLDs, possibly leading to a 'better' quality of life.

Keywords: Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Livelihoods, Assistive Technologies (ATs), Quality of Life (QoL)