A disability is a condition in which the function of a certain part of the body is quite impaired compared to that of other people. A person may either be born disabled or may become disabled later in life due to an illness or accident. Broadly speaking, a person may suffer from mental, hearing, speech, visual or physical disabilities or a combination thereof.

The government enacted the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (External website that opens in a new window), to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Act aims to make the disabled self reliant and financially independent by offering education, rehabilitation guidance, vocational training, job reservation, employment, a special insurance scheme for disabled employees as well as an unemployment allowance. In addition it also provides for research and manpower development, creation of a barrier-free environment and construction of homes for persons with severe disability.

The Government has also come up with a National Policy for Persons with Disabilities (External website that opens in a new window). This policy recognizes that people with disabilities are valuable human resources of the country. It aims to build an environment that offers them equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in society. The policy also identifies non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) as vital institutions that provide affordable services to the disabled, complementing government efforts.

The Following steps to be taken to improve the livinghood of disable:

1) Initial training & survey

2) Community and individual awareness programs

3) Community-based Rehabilitation

4) Disability self-help group programs with micro-finance activities

5) Established school for mentally disabled children

6) Vocational Training Programs

7) Linkage to government welfare schemes

8) Celebration of World Disability Day

Category wise break up of training given under the Scheme