Who we are

Nepal is home to a significant population of individuals with visual impairments. According to the 2021 National Housing and Population Census, there are 145,667 people with visual impairments in the country. Among them, 35,142 are blind (17,804 males and 17,338 females), and 110,525 have low vision (53,730 males and 56,795 females). Despite efforts to promote inclusion and equity, these individuals continue to face systemic challenges that hinder their ability to participate fully in society.

Legal Framework and CRPD Perspective

Nepal ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2010, committing to uphold the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Article 9 of the CRPD emphasizes accessibility, Article 24 ensures inclusive education, and Article 27 advocates for equal employment opportunities. However, despite these commitments, the lived realities of persons with visual impairments reveal a gap between policy and practice. Addressing these gaps requires urgent, coordinated action by stakeholders, including government bodies, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and the private sector.

Key Statistics

Below are the current data highlighting the socio-economic status of persons with visual impairments in Nepal:

1. Education:

• Total number of blind and low-vision students enrolled at different education levels.

2. Employment

• persons with visual impairments engaged in teaching profession till February 2025
• number of persons with visual impairments in Private sector.
• Number of visually impaired person working in NGO/INGOs.

3. Self-Employment

• • Number of visually impaired individuals running small businesses or engaging in entrepreneurship.