| 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,
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. 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.
For more details click on the
links cited below:
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