Who are Persons with Disabilities?

Persons with Disability (PWD) are those who have long-term impairment in terms of physical, mental, sensory and psychological conditions which can stop their equal participation in all aspects of society if met with various barriers.

This is an important topic for all IAS exam aspirants.

As per Census 2011, in India, out of the total population of 121 crore, about 2.68 Cr persons are ‘Disabled’ (2.21% of the total population)

• Out of 2.68 crore, 1.5 crore are males and 1.18 crore are females
• Majority (69%) of the disabled population resided in rural areas

What are the different types of disabilities?

The different types of disabilities are given below:

i. autism spectrum disorder;

ii. blindness;

iii. cerebral palsy;

iv. chronic neurological conditions;

v. deafblindness;

vi. hemophilia;

vii. hearing impairment;

viii. intellectual disability;

ix. leprosy cured;

x. locomotor disability;

xi. low vision;

xii. mental illness;

xiii. muscular dystrophy;

xiv. multiple sclerosis;

xv. specific learning disability;

xvi. speech and language disability,

xvii. thalassemia; and

xviii. multiple disabilities.

What are important points under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016?

(1) It is the duty of the involved government to ensure that basic rights like the right to equality, life with dignity, and respect for his or her integrity equally with others are enjoyed by the people with disabilities.

(2) To provide an appropriate environment for the effective development of the efficiency of the person with disabilities

(3) Discrimination on any grounds of any person with a disability shall be met with stringent actions

(4) No person shall be deprived of his or her personal liberty only on the ground of disability.

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What is the major agenda of the above act?

The act focuses on the prevention of disabilities, the physical and economic rehabilitation measures for disabled persons. The policy is to be implemented by Government and other agencies. Various steps had also been taken in the past for the welfare and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

Programs for Disabled in India

• DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme: Under the scheme financial assistance is provided to NGOs for providing various services to Persons with Disabilities, like special schools, vocational training centers, community-based rehabilitation, pre-school and early intervention, etc.
• Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase / Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP): The Scheme aims at helping disabled persons by bringing suitable, durable, scientifically-manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances within their reach.
• Accessible India Campaign: Creation of Accessible Environment for PwDs:
  • A nation-wide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility that will enable persons with disabilities to gain access to equal opportunity and live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life in an inclusive society.
  • The campaign targets at enhancing the accessibility of built environment, transport system and Information & communication ecosystem. Know in detail bout the Accessible India Campaign on the given link.
• National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (RGMF)
  • The scheme aims to increase opportunities to students with disabilities for pursuing higher education.
  • Under the Scheme, 200 Fellowships per year are granted to students with disability.
• Schemes of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.

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