3. Current Situation of Persons with Disabilities

3.1 Definition and Classification

Persons with Disabilities in India are defined according to The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995 and are identified in seven categories of disability:

1. Blindness

Refers to a condition where a person suffers from any of the following conditions, namely:

2. Low Vision

3. Leprosy-cured

Means any person who has been cured of leprosy but is suffering from

4. Hearing Impairment

5. Locomotor Disability

6. Intellectually Disabled

7. Mental Illness

3.2 Government Policy and National Plan towards Persons with Disabilities

Important initiatives took place during the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, which included the passage of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act in 1995 (PWD Act) while including a fundamental shift from a welfare and charity approach to a more human rights based attitude.

Decentralization of services for PWDs was an important aspect of development during the decade. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) improved outreach considerably through adoption of a camp approach for meeting the rehabilitation needs of PWDs. At the camps, for which preparatory action includes wide publicity, the PWDs go through an assessment process with trained professionals who provide appropriate interventions (including medical and surgical), guidance regarding appropriate aids and appliances and fitment of the devices. They also provide counseling services regarding availability of programs for special education and vocational training.

The Ministry has also put in place the National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities which trains people from the grassroots level upwards in the prevention of disability, recognition of its occurrence and rendering advise on appropriate referrals that can range from minor interventions available at primary and state level institutions that are able to provide sophisticated services.

Under the PWD Act the Central Coordination Committee (CCC) was established with the Cabinet Minister of the Government as its Chairman. This Committee reviews and coordinates the activities of all Departments of the Government and other governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGO) which are dealing with matters relating to PWDs. It also advises the Central Government on the formulation of policies, programs, legislation and projects with respect to disability. It also monitors and evaluates the impact of policies and programs designed for achieving equality and full participation of persons with disabilities.

The MSJE is accountable to Parliament for the implementation of the PWD Act, the Rehabilitation Council of India Act and the National Trust Act. All 28 States have adopted the PWD Act and the State Governments are in turn accountable to State Legislatures.

Figure 13 outlines the National and State level Coordination Committees and its composition.

National and State Coordination Committees

Description

(1)Includes all 28 States of the Republic of India
Source:Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Country Report - India

3.3 Government System

There are six National Institutes working for the welfare and rehabilitation of PWDs. These institutes work in the fields of locomotor, visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities. The institutes provide rehabilitation services, undertake vocational training programs and community awareness programs. Through outreach services, communities are made aware on prevention of disability, early-identification, appropriate intervention and rehabilitation of the disabled. The institutions are also engaged in functional research activities in related applied areas. The six National Institutes are fully funded by the MSJE.

Several other programs, finance schemes and other agencies have been established in order to meet the needs of the countries disabled. Examples include:

The following is a break-down of the Ministries, Departments and organizations of the Government that are responsible in providing aid and assistance in the development of social issues toward PWDs:

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE)

The MSJE is entrusted with the welfare of PWDs. The basic objective of the policies, programs, law and institution of the Indian welfare system is to bring PWDs into the mainstream of development by making them self-reliant. It puts the rehabilitation program for PWDs high on its agenda and supports an infrastructure network for PWDs by six national Institutes and other departments. The MSJE also oversees the operation of 4 Composite Regional Centers for Persons with Disabilities, 4 Regional Rehabilitation Centers for Persons with Spinal Injuries, approximately 100 District Disability Rehabilitation Centers and The Indian Spinal Injury Centre. The following is an organizational chart of the Ministry:

Description

Source:Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Country Report - India

The following are areas of responsibility and control of the Ministry:

APEX Corporations

1. National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC)

The NHFDC was incorporated in 1997 with the objective of promoting the economic empowerment of PWDs through financing self-employment ventures and assisting beneficiaries in the up-gradation of technical and entrepreneurship skills for effective management of their self employment ventures.

2. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, Ltd. (ALIMCO)

ALIMCO is the largest manufacturer of artificial limbs, components and rehabilitation aids for persons with disabilities in India. During 2001-2002, the company manufactured over 900,000 components and aids and appliances. ALIMCO is also the agency responsible for handling gifts received under bilateral agreements entered into by the Government with other countries, including, USA, UK, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.

Administrative Oversight by the MSJE

1. The Chief Commissioner for Disabilities

The functions and duties of the Chief Commissioner include coordinating the work of State Commissioners for PWDs taking steps to safeguard the rights and facilities made available to PWDs and to look into complaints with respect to denial of rights of PWDs. Additionally, the Office of the Chief Commissioner has held workshops regarding various issues on disability while appointing commissioners for PWDs in all the States.

2. National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (National Trust)

The National Trust was established as part of the National Trust Act of 1999. Its objectives are to enable and empower PWDs to lead their lives as independently and as fully as possible within or close to their own communities. The Trust also extends support to registered organizations to provide need based services during periods of family crisis. Local Level Committees have been set-up as part of the National Trust Act in which their roles are to coordinate, initiate and protect the rights and promoting the interests of people with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities. 369 Local Level Committees have been formed in 26 States and 4 Union Territories.

3. District Rehabilitation Centers (DRC)

There are 11 District Rehabilitation Centers throughout India. Their basic objective is to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to PWDs in rural areas while providing services for the prevention and early detection, medical intervention and surgical correction, fitment of artificial aids and appliances, therapeutical services such as physio-therapy, occupational and speech therapy, provision of training for acquisition of skills through vocational training and job placement in local industries.

The Rehabilitation Council

The Rehabilitation Council was established by the Government in 1993 and is under the administrative control of the MSJE. Its objectives are as follows:

• To regulate the training policies and programs in the field of rehabilitation of PWDs
• To prescribe minimum standards of education and training of various categories of professionals dealing with PWDs
• To regulate these standards in all training institutions uniformly throughout the country
• To recognize institutions/universities running degree/diploma/certificate courses in the field of rehabilitation of PWDs
• To recognize foreign degree/diploma/certificate awarded by universities/ institutions on reciprocal basis
• To maintain central rehabilitation register of persons possessing the recognized rehabilitation qualification
• To encourage continuing rehabilitation education in collaboration with organizations working in the field of disability

National Institutes Managed by the MSJE

1.National Institute for Orthopaedically Handicapped (NIOH)

The Institute conducts graduate programs in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Prosthetics and Orthotics. It offers degree courses in Disability Rehabilitation Management, Diplomate in National Board of Examination, certificate courses for Multipurpose Rehabilitation Workers and a 4 year Diploma course in tool and die-making. Additionally, the Institute provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for persons with locomotor disabilities including disability evaluation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, restorative and rehabilitative surgery, prosthetics and orthotics indoor patient services, socio-economic and vocational rehabilitation, placement guidance and diagnostic services.

2. National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH)

The Institute undertakes human resource development programs, models of care and rehabilitation services while conducting research, documentation and information dissemination in the field of intellectual disability. The Institute also conducts degree/diploma courses in Special Education, Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Training and Employment and Early Intervention. Over 193 short-term courses were provided to professionals and grassroots workers to upgrade their knowledge and skills during 2001-2002, while training approximately 11,000 people.

3. Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (NIHH)

The Institute provides comprehensive diagnostic, therapeutic, educational and vocational services to the hearing impaired. The Institute, its regional centers and collaborative centers conduct long-term manpower development programs including Degree/Diploma levels.

4. National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH)

The Institute is engaged in human resource development, research and designing and developing model services for education and vocational training. It also produces Braille/audio books and assistive devices for mobility, education and recreation of the visually impaired. The Institute also conducts long-term training courses for teachers of secondary and primary level schools and for orientation and mobility instructors.

5. National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research

The Institute operates a 100-bed facility for reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, speech therapy, physio-therapy and occupational therapy. The Institute also conducts graduate programs in Physio-Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics and offers a Diploma in National Board of Examination. Two year masters degree courses offered in Physio-Therapy and Occupational Therapy are affiliated with the Utkal University. Other short-term courses, continuing medical education programs, workshops and seminars are also conducted under the Institute. The Institute designed and developed a Modular Above Knee Prosthesis devise under the Scheme of Science and Technology Projects in Mission Mode.

6. Institute for the Physically Handicapped

The Institute has established 6 District Disability Rehabilitation Centers in different districts throughout the country. It also provides a 4.5 year honors degree course in Physio-Therapy and Occupational Therapy affiliated with the University of Delhi. Additionally, it operates a special school and a separate printing press to cater to the printing requirements of the Institute and the Ministry.

Other Governmental Agencies

1. National Coordination Committee on Disability

The Committee is attached to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It includes from the NGO and organization of PWD sectors and representatives of 25 governmental agencies. The agenda for action has been disseminated to diverse national government ministries, state governments and NGOs concerned with disability matters.

2. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

The Ministry implements health programs that have a direct bearing on the prevention of disabilities like leprosy, polio, blindness control and iodine deficiency disorder control.

3. Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment

The Ministry is mainly concerned with the provision of building standards of PWDs as provided under the Disability Act of 1995. The Ministry prepared the Model Building Bylaws, containing provisions for a barrier-free environment along with guidelines and space standards. These have been circulated to all the State Governments and Union Territories for adoption.

4. Ministry of Rural Development and Employment

The Ministry took the initiative under which three percent of the total subsidy budget under the Integrated Rural Development Program is earmarked for the provision of revolving fund assistance of Rs.25,000 for PWD self-help groups and the disabled rural poor carrying out economic activities of their choice.

5. Ministry of Human Resource Development

The Ministry undertakes several activities for educating PWDs, including an implementation scheme for the Integrated Education of Disabled Children (IEDC) through State Education Departments, autonomous bodies and voluntary organizations. 100% financial assistance is provided for the education of children with disabilities.

6. Ministry of Labour

The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Employment andTraining (DGEandT) extends its services to PWDs through a number of schemes. DGEandT operates 17 vocational rehabilitation centers for PWDs throughout the country, covering all types of disabilities. DGEandT also operates Rural Rehabilitation Extension Centers and a Central Institute for Research and Training in employment services.

7. Ministry of Railways

The Ministry is mainly concerned with the provision of barrier-free facilities in railway office buildings and railway stations for PWDs. The Ministry has also created plans to modify entrances to railway coaches and provide facilities inside the coaches for PWDs.

8. Ministry of Civil Action

The Ministry and the Public Sector Unit under the Ministry of Airlines and Airport Authority of India have provided barrier-free facilities at airports.

9. Department of Science and Technology

The Department funds projects for research and development of assistive devices. The Department in conjunction with the MSJE assists in the provision of low cost and standard aids/appliances for PWDs.

10. Department of Women and Child Development

The Department provides a variety of services for the supplementary nutrition of mothers and children. Health education and immunization programs are provided through the Integrated Child Development Scheme. Workers at community health centers are trained under the plan in detection and prevention of disabilities while creating general awareness among the public.

3.4 Regional Cooperation

The Government has organized several workshops, seminars and conferences in India in order to share ideas, concepts knowledge and experiences.

The Government also hosted an UNESCAP Technical Workshop on the Production and Distribution of Indigenous Assistance Devices at Madras in September, 1995, in which representatives from 22 countries participated. India was also an active partner in the International Year of the Disabled Persons; UN Decade of Disabled Persons; SAARC Year of Disabled Persons, 1993 and ESCAP.

3.5 Statistics Data

The WHO estimates that approximately 10% of the world's population suffers from disabilities. In the context of India, that would translate into approximately 103 million people with disability in 2001 and 89.3 million in 1991. In 1991, the Department of Statistics from the Ministry of Planning and Program Implementation conducted through the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), a survey on disability specific information. However, the sample survey conducted concluded that only a 1.9% incidence of disability existed in India, further indicating that other measures would need to be taken to produce reliable information on the status of disability in India.

The Central Coordination Committee (CCC) stated that a figure of 5 million PWDs in the country would be a conservative total given that the consensus among non-official sources, as well as the Rehabilitation Council of India, is that approximately 10% of the countries child population has special needs. Based on a total of 300 million children aged 0-14 in India, the estimated number of disabled children alone, depending on which estimates are used, would be 6 to 30 million. No statistical information was readily available from non-governmental sources on the estimated number or break-down of PWDs in the country.

3.6 Law and Legislation

India has imposed various policies and enacted legislation covering PWDs since 1951 which initially emphasized mobilizing voluntary agencies engaged in the welfare of women and children to work for PWDs. Major pieces of legislation include the following which can be found at http://disabilityindia.org/pwdacts.cfm

The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995 is the most significant piece of legislation that has been enacted in India. The Act provides for both preventive and promotional aspects of rehabilitation like education, employment and vocational training, research and manpower development while aiding in the creation of barrier-free environments, rehabilitation of PWDs, unemployment allowances for PWDs, special insurance schemes for employees with disabilities and the establishment of homes for persons with severe disabilities. The Act is the most comprehensive legislative act enacted to ensure equal opportunities for PWDs allowing them to fully participate in nation building (see Appendix I for a full text version of the Act).

Other major legislative acts include the Mental Health Act of 1997 and the Rehabilitation Council of India Act of 1992. The Mental Health Act' purpose was to provide better social services to people with learning disabilities. It included the establishment and maintenance of hospitals and nursing homes for persons with intellectual disabilities. The Rehabilitation Council of India Act was established in order to regulate the training of professionals in the field of education for people with special needs.

In 1999, the Government passed the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act. The Trust provides for legal guardianship while establishing organizations for them. The Trust's objective is to enable and empower those with disability to live as independently and as fully as possible within or close to the community while strengthening facilities providing support to PWDS to live within their own family structure. The Trust also extends support to registered organizations to provide need based services during periods of family crisis.

3.7 Social Services

The MSJE has approved an outlay for its next five year plan (2002-2007) for the welfare of PWDs that totals 17% of its total budget. For the fiscal year ended in June 2003, the Ministry expended 19.8% of its total expenditures on the welfare of PWDs.

The PWD Act of 1995 provides for an insurance scheme for the benefit of its employees with disabilities along with the following sections that address social security for PWDs:

Section 66: Appropriate Governments and the local authorities to undertake rehabilitation

The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall within the limits of their economic capacity and development undertake or cause to be undertaken rehabilitation of all persons with disabilities.

For purposes of sub-section (1), the appropriate Governments and local authorities shall grant financial assistance to non-governmental organizations. The appropriate Governments and local authorities while formulating rehabilitation policies shall consult the non-governmental organizations working for the cause of persons with disabilities.

Section 67: Insurance scheme for employees with disabilities

The appropriate Government shall by notification frame an insurance scheme for the benefit of its employees with disabilities.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the appropriate Government may instead of framing an insurance scheme frame an alternative security scheme for its employees with disabilities.

Section 68: Unemployed allowance

The appropriate Governments shall within the limits of their economic capacity and development shall by notification frame a scheme for payment of an unemployment allowance to persons with disabilities registered with the Special Employment Exchange for more than two years and who could not be placed in any gainful occupation.

3.8 Medical Services, Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices

Medical Boards have been created in 22 States and 398 districts for the issuance of certificates of disability in accordance with detailed instructions issued by the Government for the 7 categories of disability listed in the PWD Act.

To develop human resources in the field of rehabilitation services, 6 National Institutes are catering to the requirements in the field of visual, hearing, intellectual and locomotor disabilities. The annual outflow of trained human resources is 1,870. To date, the Institutions have trained over 41,000 professionals. The Government has also supported the establishment of the Indian Spinal Injury Centre along with 4 regional centers for rehabilitation of persons with spinal injuries.

Rehabilitation services are provided at the institutions as well as through the camp approach. In 2001−2002, 469 camps were held which were attended by over 80,000 people. Table 9 highlights the numbers of PWDs who have benefited through institutions managed by the MSJE.

PWD's Benefited Through Institutions of the MSJE Over a Ten Year Period

Institution	Special Educators Trained	Rehabililtation Services	Extension Services	Clinical Services	Total PWDs Benefited
NIHH	2,536	23,452	11,077	175,893	212,958
NIMH	31,804	14,445	54,071	18,923	119,243
NIOH	−	23,487	65,083	221,804	310,374
NIVH	5,972	325,771	83,463	24,128	439,514
IPH	619	22,090	47,201	65,652	135,562
NIRTAAR	415	26,369	1,863	330,437	359,089
DRC/RRTC	−	26,614	149,583	204,286	380,483
Total	41,346	462,228	412,526	1,041,123	1,957,223

Source:MSJE Country Report - India

Assistive Devices

India has provided for the exemption of excise and sales tax levies and customs duties in respect to items such as wheel chairs, Braillers and hearing aids, artificial limbs and items manufactured by PWD institutions. Persons with limited incomes are provided appropriate aids free of coast and others receive a 50% subsidy.

In the year FY2001, the Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation manufactured over 913,000 components and aids and appliances. Aids and appliances were distributed to almost 45,000 beneficiaries under the scheme in 2002. The company served 25,413 beneficiaries by the end of December 2002 in 121 districts through 207 camps. According to the MSJE, over 150,000 people benefited from the distribution of assistive devices by the Government during FY2001.

3.9 Community Based Rehabilitation

India's disability-related policies are moving away from medical rehabilitation toward a more CBR approach for the self-sufficiency and improvement of PWD status through vocational training and education. In early 1995, the Government launched the District Rehabilitation Center (DRC) Scheme as a model of comprehensive rehabilitation services to rural PWDs. The scheme operates in 11 centers in 10 States. The services provided by the DRCs include, prevention and early detection, medical intervention and surgical correction, therapeutic services, educational services, training, provision of self−employment opportunities and bank loans. The program was established in collaboration with the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Washington D.C. In conjunction with the DRC, a Central Administrative and Coordination Unit (CACU) was also established for coordinating and administering the activities of DRC.

The objectives of the DRC include surveying the disabled population, prevention, early detection and medical intervention and surgical correction, fitting of artificial aids and appliances, therapeutic services - physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, provision of educational services in special and integrated schools, provision of vocational training, job placement in local industries and trades, self-employment opportunities, awareness generation for the involvement of community and family to create a cadre of multi-disciplinary professionals to take care of major categories of disabled in the district.

There are 4 Regional Rehabilitation Training Centers (RRTC) that function under the DRC scheme in Mumbai, Chennai, Cuttack and Lucknow. The RRTC provides training to village level functionaries, DRC professions, and State Government official. They also conduct research in service delivery and low cost aids production. Apart from developing training material and manuals for actual field use, RRTCs also produce material for creating community awareness through the medium of folders, posters, audio-visuals, films and traditional forms.

A National Information Center on Disability and Rehabilitation was established under CACU in 1987 to provide a database for comprehensive information on all facilities and welfare services for the disabled within the country. It acts as an agency for awareness creation, preparation/collection and dissemination of materials/information on disability relief and rehabilitation. The computerized data collected relates to institutions/professionals working for the disabled, aids and appliances, scholarships, national awards and physical/financial performance of DRCs/RRTCs. It also publishes the Indian Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation.

A few examples of CBR related programs in India are as follows:

1. The Rehabilitation Council of India in association with Bangalore University introduced distance education courses in CBR. The new programs include both post graduate degrees and diploma courses in CBR. The duration of the courses are on year and are aimed at developing well-trained middle and grass-root level professionals for CBR. The post graduate degree program aims at training professionals in health, education, development and social work sectors.
2. The Chetana Institute for the Mentally Handicapped has developed a model of CBR at the Community Development Block level having an approximate population of 100,000. After recruitment of 3 CBR workers with special education degrees, door to door survey are conducted in order to asses the following:
   • identification and assessment of disabled persons
   • development of home based training and education programs for each disabled children
   • supply of teaching-aids and aid and appliances
   • orientation program for the community leaders, village level workers, and social workers
   • training program for parents on home based management, and understanding of disabled persons
   • printing and production of literature on disability in regional language
   • formation of Block/District Level Association of the disabled persons, their parents, professionals, and social workers.
   • Vocational Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons is the ultimate objective of the CBR Program. At present, Chetana is implementing CBR Program in 17 Blocks. The program was initially designed for a period of 3 years.
3. In February 2003, Sabala and ActionAid India organized the 6th International Training Course on CBR for Program Managers in India. The ten-day exercise was intended for Program Managers of organizations and projects involved in developing CBR programs in developing countries. The course was designed to prepare the participants with appropriate attitudes, necessary knowledge and basic skills to initiate, monitor, develop and strengthen CBR programs. The participants also were oriented towards Information Dissemination, Networking and Advocacy related to Disability Rehabilitation and CBR.

3.10 Independent Living Movement

There is currently no formal initiative in India for the Independent Living Movement. However, there are many vocational and training centers in India that provide self-help and poverty alleviation schemes to promote self sufficiency.

3.11 Public Awareness

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and related institutions publish information booklets, posters, handbooks, videos and CDs which can be used by persons and organizations concerned with prevention and habilitation. District wide awareness generation programs are being funded by the government of India to disseminate information on prevention, early detection and appropriate rehabilitation.

3.12 Sports

India has several sports clubs and associations that promote and support PWDs in a variety of activates. Athletes from India participate in a host of world championships around the world with the support of the Government. The Petro World Cup Cricket for the Blind was first held in 1998 in New Delhi and continues to be an international event bringing teams from around the world to participate.

Biwako Millennium Frammework Seven Priority Areas

3.13 Self-help Organizations of persons with disabilities and related family and parent associations

According to the Commissioner, Disabled Welfare, there are approximately 49,500 self help groups with over 346,000 PWDs which work toward identifying disabled persons, understanding physical, social, economic, psychological and emotional factors, create awareness and capacity build. There are over 100 parent associations operating in 22 states and 1 union territory. Many of these self-help organizations operate programs including special education, vocational training, placement services, support programs for inclusive education and draw financial support from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Women's self-help groups (SHGs) are proving to be a valuable policy tool for poverty reduction, self-empowerment, and improved governance and service delivery at the local level. SHGs are savings/credit groups consisting of 10-15 members who met regularly to conduct monthly savings programs while providing internal lending. SHGs has became a platform for empowering these women, without any major policy initiative. The SHG model has been adopted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh across the State, by (1) linking credit activities to a mainstream bank (National Bank for Rural Development) and (2) using SHGs and organizations federated at the village, sub-district and district level, to increase rural women's power to negotiate with service providers as well as private traders. The pilot work for this project was financed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), followed by the World Bank's funding of the Rural Poverty Reduction Project in Andhra Pradesh. The project, which was supported by a $250 million loan from the World Bank's International Development Association has reached more than 25,000 SHGs to date, representing nearly 50 percent of all SHGs in the country (see Section 3.19 for more detailed information).

3.14 Women with Disabilities

The MSJE focuses on schemes for the needs of weaker, deprived and marginalized sections of the society that cover target groups and is not restricted to gender specific beneficiaries. Therefore, no specific program or scheme by the MSJE is earmarked for women. However, the MSJE does acknowledge that women are even more vulnerable amongst the weaker sections and have attempted to ensure that women benefit preferentially under its schemes.

In order to implement the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) schemes at a grassroots level and to promote and support micro-credit schemes specially for women beneficiaries (including those with disabilities), NBCFDC has adopted micro financing through SCAs and accredited NGOs either directly or through self-help groups. The NBCFDC has also implemented a new Swarnima Scheme for women belonging to backward classes living below the poverty line. During the FY2002, monies were provided assisting over 16,600 women beneficiaries. Additionally, the MSJE has supported the construction of hostels for Scheduled Classes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) girls to enable them to pursue higher education.

3.15 Early Detection, Intervention and Education

Early Detection / Prevention

The Government recognizes that approximately 50% of disabilities are preventable and the costs of prevention are far lower than those of rehabilitation. The Government has therefore adopted the following campaigns:

• Pulse Polio Campaign
• Leprosy Eradication Program
• National Programme for the Control of Blindness:
• Deficiencies of Vitamin A and Iodine
• Nutrition Mission by the Department of Woman and Child Development (malnutrition among pregnant women, mothers and infants)

In order to create an effective system of early identification of disability as well as early intervention, the National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities is being implemented by State Governments. Through this program, field level workers have undergone training on disability related issues and provide a referral chain from village to district and State centers.

To ensure that doctors in hospitals in rural areas can recognize disability and refer patients for appropriate medical intervention and rehabilitation services, doctors at Primary Health Centers are trained through a National Orientation Program on Disability. To-date, 9,529 doctors have received training in the field of disability prevention and management. Recognizing that at-risk babies, like low birth weight and pre-term newborns, require specialized attention to prevent/minimize impairments, neo-natal care facilities have been made available in over 130 districts to prevent/minimize the negative impact of birth insults and injuries before, during and after delivery.

Education

The Government has launched, Education for All (The Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan), with a particular focus on the education of PWDs. Compulsory education has been enforced in four States and Union Territories at the primary stage of education while in eight States/UTs there is compulsory education covering the entire elementary stage of education. State Governments have issued directions to schools that no student may be denied admission on the basis of disability alone.

The CCC estimates that there are 2,500 special schools in India that include children with special needs in integrated and inclusive settings, or in non-formal education. These schools educate a total of 100,000 children with special needs. There are 15,000 schools which have enrolled a total of 60,000 children under the IEDC of the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The IEDC provides benefits to children through the provision of scholarships, uniforms, books and transport facilities to get to school. Table 10 highlights the number of disabled students attending schools according to the MSJE.

Under the District Primary Education Program, a World Bank funded program, which covers 271 districts in 24 States, special attention has been paid to children with disabilities. This program has resulted in approximately 350,000 additional children enrolling in school. To ensure that students with disabilities have fair access to higher and technical education, 3% of seats in educational institutions are reserved for them. The MSJE supports 500 scholarships for students with disabilities pursuing their studies at post school levels.

Educational Facilities

While disabled children are integrated into the regular school system there are additionally special schools established for disabled children. Voluntary organizations have also taken a major initiative in opening special schools throughout the country. Table indicates the number of educational institutions for the disabled:

The Department of Education provides financial assistance to organizations who establish special schools. Some of the special schools offer vocational training in trades like tailoring, carpentry and book binding. There are four national institutes in the area of visual, hearing, mental and locomotor disabilities which organize regular programs for the training of teachers for the disabled.

Under the Integrated Education Scheme for Disabled, operated by the Department of Education, disabled children are sought to be integrated in the normal school system. Assistance is provided to States and UTs for education of children suffering from certain mild disabilities in regular schools with the help of necessary aids, incentives and specially trained teachers.

The following types of disabled children are covered under this scheme:

• Children with locomotor handicaps (orthopedic handicapped)
• Mildly and moderately hearing impaired
• Partially sighted children
• Intellectually disabled, educable group (IQ 50 - 70)
• Children with multiple handicaps including, hearing impaired and orthopaedic, educable intellectually disabled and orthopaedic, visual impaired and mild hearing disabled
• Children with learning disabilities

The scheme provides the following allowances for children with disabilities:

• Books and stationery allowances of Rs. 400 per annum
• Actual expenses on uniforms up to Rs. 200 per annum
• Transport allowances of Rs. 50 per month
• Reader allowances of Rs. 50 per month in case of blind children after Class V
• Escort allowance for severely handicapped children with lower extremity disabilities of Rs. 75 per month
• Actual cost of equipment subject to a maximum of Rs. 2,000 per student for a period of five years.

Intervention

The MSJE supports 644 Institutions for running early intervention programs, special education programs, vocational training programs under which 160,000 people are covered.

3.16 Training and Employment

The MSJE supports approximately 190 NGOs in running vocational training programs for PWDs. From 1992 to 2000, 11,400 people have been placed through 40 Special Employment Exchanges. 3% of jobs in respect of identified posts are reserved in government organizations for people with disabilities. Of these, 1% is designated for people with visual, hearing and locomotor disabilities. Many State Government Departments dealing with disability have placement officers whose primary function is to enable employment of PWDs.

In 2001, the Government initiated expert committees to identify types of jobs suitable for people with different disabilities. A list of over 1,900 jobs has been prepared and circulated to all Ministries of the Government, while 1,075 jobs in the private sector were identified.

The Government, thought the MSJE and the Ministry of Human Resources Development, hosted the 6th Annual Abilympics in November 2003 in New Delhi. A total of 425 athletes participated in the event. India sent 115 athletes. In 2002, 600 athletes participated in the 5th Annual Abilympics which was organized by the National Abilympics Association of India.

3.17 Access to Built Environment and Public Transportation

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Coordination Committee of Disability have been responsible for ensuring a barrier-free environment in public and work places, schools and other public institutions.

The PWD Act provided the following directives in order to incorporate barrier-free features into existing and future structures as well as modes of public transportation:

Section 44

• The transport sector to design rail compartments, buses, etc. in such a way as to promote easy access to disabled persons.

Section 45

• The installation of signals at traffic lights on public roads, curb cuts and slopes to be made in pavements, facilitating easy access of wheel chairs, engraving on the edges of railway platforms, designing appropriate symbols of disability and warning signals at appropriate places.

Section 46

• Appropriate governments and local authorities shall within the limits of their economic capacity and development shall provide for ramps in public buildings, barrier free toilets for wheel chair users, Braille symbols and audio signals in elevators and lifts and ramps in hospital, primary health centers and other medical care and rehabilitation institutions.

According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, as part of the implementation of the PWD Act, the following initiatives have been completed:

• At 150 railway stations the Indian Railways have provided for facilities such as barrier free entry, non-slippery walkways, accessible water taps and toilets, wheel chairs at railway stations and signage's.
• The Delhi Metro Rail is designed to comply with all barrier free guidelines.
• The Ministry of Urban Development and the Central Public Works Department have circulated model building by-laws and designs for barrier free environments to facilitate the adoption of these by local bodies in each State.
• The University Grants Commission has allocated separate funds to ensure barrier free accessible universities.

Five workshops were held in 2001 and 2002 in which six representatives (three from Government Agencies and three from NGOs) were invited from participating States for training in Access Audit. They were trained to conduct Access Audits and submit reports for required rectifications for proper access in all public and private buildings, including places of recreation. The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities office acts upon the reports submitted in order to get the owners of the building involved to make the required alternations or additions.

For effective implementation of barrier-free environment, The Chief Commissioner formed a National Committee and a Core Committee of trained resource persons to plan workshops and conduct Access Audits throughout the country.

3.18 Access to Information and Communication

Doordarshan, the national TV news channel broadcasts the news in sign language. Other news channels are utilizing subtitles for news programs. A standard dictionary for the Indian Sign Language has been developed at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalay, International Human Resource Development Centre for the Disabled through the support of CBM International Germany. Reading materials in Braille and audio format are made available through the National Institute for the visually impaired and numerous talking books are located in libraries throughout the country.

UNESCO New Delhi has contributed US$115,000 in project costs to the Government in order to develop low-cost Braille technology within India. The new technology gives the blind access to computer software and hardware developed especially for their needs, such as the tactile screen which fixes onto the PC and uses a standard keyboard. The system also repeats aloud each letter typed on computers equipped with speakers.

In 1991, the first e-learning centre for the blind was established at the National Council of Education Research and Training in New Delhi. The centre is the first in a series of institutions which will bring distance learning to an estimated 2 million visually impaired children. Ten Braille terminals with ZOOM text software and Braille printers are available for use in the project. UNESCO experts in distance education train staff at the centre, technicians, educators and persons working with visually impaired children on how to use the systems. The technologies were also demonstrated to the representatives of each of India's states and to various organizations, such as the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped and Indian Association for Special Education and Rehabilitation.

Another organizations that provide assistive devises, include The National Association for the Blind (NAB) which is the primary non-government service organization for the blind in India. The NAB, through its 18 state branches, 7 institutions, and 106 institutional members provide services such as support for integrated education, Braille production, talking book library, home for aged blind, special programs for multiple disabled persons, prevention of blindness, vocational training, technology development and training, industrial employment, and orientation and mobility training throughout India.

NAB became an Associate Member of the DAISY Consortium in 2002 and began Daisy book production in the same year while currently building capacity to produce full text and synchronized Daisy book products. The organization has become one of the two resource centers in the DAISY consortium "For All Project" being managed by the DAISY Consortium. Training for the Daisy consortium was held at the NAB in 2002 and covered the use of My Studio PC and Sigtuna DAR software (used in creating audio and text synchronized talking books), while producing Digital Talking Books. The course was attended by 18 trainees from the following organizations:

National Association for the Blind
National Institute for Visually Handicapped
National Association for the Blind
Mitra Jyoti
Arushi
Delhi University
Shruty Information Centre
Blind Relief Association

3.19 Poverty Alleviation through capacity-building, social security and sustainable livelihood programs

According to the Government three percent of all resources allocated to poverty alleviation programs throughout the country, at both the Governmental and State levels, are set aside for PWDs. During the fiscal year 2001, which ended in June 2002, 27,062 PWDs have benefited under various poverty alleviation schemes. 25,697 of those lived in rural areas of the country.

The World Bank has sponsored a rural poverty reduction program, which is being implemented by the Society for the Elimination of Rural Poverty, known as the Velugu Project. The projects mandate is to enhance the economic and social mobility of the poor and to improve their quality of life. Nearly 2.3 million of the overall 4 million rural poor in Andhra Pradesh are expected to benefit from the World Bank supported project.

Women self-help groups, federated at the village and the sub-district level are the project's building blocks. This rests on the underlying belief that social mobilization enables poor people to build organizations and make decisions on all issues. According to the World Bank, this is the first project of its type in terms of investing in the empowerment and income generation of disabled people.

According to Ms. Heumann, World Bank Advisor, the self-help group, Sangram, was only established two years ago, however, it has many achievements to its credit. Seventy percent of its members now have houses; the group's Community Investment Fund, made up of the group's own savings, is designed to enable members to get into income generation activities. The next goal of the group is to open a disability rehabilitation center. Most of the disabled children in the community, however, are still out of school. "If you deny disabled people educational opportunities, then it is the lack of education and not their disabilities that limit their opportunities," Heumann said.

• "Sometimes parents are fearful or don't know that their disabled child should be in school," Heumann continued. "Bringing parents of disabled children into the group is an important step in addressing these issues. The Andhra Pradesh District Poverty Initiatives Project is facilitating this − it gives the parents a voice and support from other parents, and it gives the disabled children confidence, recognition, and the appropriate levels of opportunity and hope."

In April 2003, the World Bank approved a US$150 million credit facility for the funding of the second phase of the Velugu project. The second phase is estimated to cover 16 districts of the Hyderabad State while aiding an estimated 20,000 families in 548 sub-districts.