Teaching against the odds: Disabled teachers face neglect despite inspiring thousands

They reach classrooms on wheelchairs, crutches and white canes, carrying hearing aids and assistive devices while teaching subjects

LAHORE / QUETTA / KARACHI / PESHAWAR:  They reach classrooms on wheelchairs, crutches and white canes, carrying hearing aids and assistive devices while teaching subjects including Mathematics, Science, Urdu and Islamiat. Despite their own physical challenges, disabled teachers continue to educate thousands of children across Pakistan. Yet the education system they serve often fails to provide them with the support and facilities they need.

On World Teachers’ Day, Minute Mirror’s special investigation highlights the estimated 2,500 to 3,000 disabled teachers working in government schools across Pakistan. These teachers not only perform their professional duties but also serve as living examples of determination, resilience and inclusive education.

There is, however, no comprehensive official national registry of disabled teachers, making it difficult to establish their exact number. Estimates suggest that Punjab has more than 1,200 registered disabled teachers, while Sindh has around 350 to 400, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa more than 200 and Balochistan approximately 150 to 200. The federal capital has fewer than 100. Together, these teachers are estimated to educate more than 100,000 students every day.

For many students, their teachers’ disabilities have become lessons in courage. In Quetta, a visually impaired teacher has reportedly spent 18 years teaching and memorising the syllabus to ensure that his students receive proper instruction. In Lahore, a teacher with one leg has reportedly produced several high-achieving Mathematics students. In Peshawar, a wheelchair-bound female teacher travels several kilometres over difficult roads to reach her school.

Despite these contributions, disabled teachers face numerous challenges.

One major issue is the implementation of the 3% employment quota for persons with disabilities. Disabled graduates holding B.Ed, M.Ed and M.Phil degrees continue to face difficulties securing government jobs, particularly in contract and temporary recruitment.

Promotion is another serious concern. Some disabled teachers reportedly remain in the same grade for 15 to 20 years while their junior colleagues progress to senior positions. Requirements related to physical fitness can create additional barriers for teachers seeking promotion.

Accessibility also remains a major problem. Many schools lack ramps, accessible toilets, Braille facilities and suitable classrooms. Wheelchair users may require assistance simply to enter their classrooms, while teachers in rural and mountainous areas face difficult roads and inadequate transport.

Teachers also report limited access to assistive technology such as screen readers, Braille printers, hearing aids and magnifiers, forcing many to purchase essential equipment from their own salaries.

Pakistan has legal commitments concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, including equality, employment and reasonable accommodation. However, disabled teachers say implementation remains inadequate.

Minute Mirror’s proposed measures include conducting an immediate census of disabled teachers, enforcing the 3% employment quota, reviewing delayed promotions, improving school accessibility, increasing transport assistance and ensuring postings closer to teachers’ homes.

Disabled teachers do more than deliver lessons. Through their determination, they teach children that limitations do not have to define a person’s potential.

Their struggle is not simply a matter of charity. It is a question of equality, dignity and justice.