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The article examines the evolving concept, scope, and legal recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities within international and national frameworks. It traces the transformation of societal attitudes from viewing disability through a lens of charity and medical deficiency to recognising it as a human rights issue grounded in dignity, equality, and inclusion. The study highlights how disability is not merely an individual impairment but a socially constructed phenomenon shaped by environmental barriers, stigma, and systemic discrimination. The paper critically analyses various models of disability, including the medical, social, bio-psychosocial, human rights, and economic-vocational models, demonstrating how each framework contributes to understanding the lived experiences of persons with disabilities. Particular emphasis is placed on the shift towards the human rights model, which positions individuals with disabilities as rights-holders rather than passive recipients of welfare. At the international level, the article explores key developments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which mark a paradigm shift in global disability discourse. These instruments establish principles of non- discrimination, accessibility, participation, and equality before the law. The role of the United Nations and its mechanisms in promoting and monitoring disability rights is also examined. In the Indian context, the study discusses legislative measures such as the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, and related frameworks that aim to ensure equal opportunities and social inclusion. Despite significant progress, the article identifies persistent challenges, including inadequate implementation, social stigma, and structural inequalities. The article concludes that achieving substantive equality for persons with disabilities requires a holistic approach that integrates legal reforms, policy interventions, and societal transformation. It underscores the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, inclusive governance, and awareness-building to realise the full potential of disability rights as an integral part of human rights.