Unit 5: Resource Mobilisation for Technology

5.1 Agencies for Aids & Appliances: Government and non-government

5.2 Eligibility criteria for availing funding under Government schemes

5.3 Procedure for availing funding from different agents

5.4 Challenges encountered with cost involved in maintenance of devices after availing funding and ways to overcome

5.5 Agencies/Strategies to locate required human resources for various services and referrals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.1 Agencies for Aids & Appliances: Government and non-government

 

Aids and assistive devices are the supporting devices used by persons with disabilities in improving their quality of life in terms of mobility, communication and for performing their daily activities. There is a wide range of assistive devices available to meet the needs of person with disabilities. By use of these Aids & assistive devices, people with disabilities becomes independent and their participation in the society increases.

Following are some examples of aids & assistive devices given below:

The National Trust has already established a National Resource Centre for display of available assistive devices called ‘Sambhav’ at AADI (a registered organisation of the National Trust), New Delhi to demonstrate the possibility of independent or assisted living for persons with developmental disabilities through the use of aids & assistive devices and technologies.

The Sambhav Center in Delhi :

Action for Ability Development and Inclusion

2, Balbir Saxena Marg, Hauz Khas, South Delhi, New Delhi

(Near Hauz  Khas  metro station)

Tel. 011-26864736

Contact person: Ms. Manuja Mishra/ Mr.Vinay Vij

Mobile:9968304227, Fax. 26853002

Email. aadi[underscore]jagruti[at]yahoo[dot]com

Sambhav is a new scheme aims to provide information on the aids and assistive devices available for the PwDs under the National Trust Act.

I. Sambhav Resource Centre

These centres aim to provide information and easy access to devices, appliances, aids, software etc. for betterment and empowerment of PwDs of the National Trust disabilities. There shall also be provision of display and demonstration of the devices to the concerned stakeholders. The centre should construct a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom set up which is disabled friendly and uses the assistive devices which are useful and improve the quality of life of the people.

A page on the National Trust website for Sambhav will also be developed which will showcase and provide information about the aids and assistive devices. Research shall be encouraged at these centres. For example, research related to use and utilities of the assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities, research related to development of new assistive devices etc.

II. Aids and assistive devices

Each of the Sambhav centres will showcase aids and assistive devices for the PwDs (Persons with Disabilities) under the National Trust Act. A reference list of aids and assistive devices, including the cost shall be displayed in the centre. The list of assistive devices should also include learning kits, aids related to mobility and communication etc. The cost of any new aids or assistive devices added to the centre (even if it has been imported) will be reimbursed to the centre as per the financial limit determined by the National Trust.

 

Involvement  of Agencies for Distribution of Aids and Appliances

·   ALIMCO- For distribution of Wheelchair, Tricycle, Crutches, Calipers and special shoes.

·   ALPS International- For distribution of all types of Hearing Aids.

·   NPCB- For distribution of Spectacles.

·   NPPCD- For distribution of Hearing Aids ( Project was done only in three districts)

SCHEME OF ASSISTANCE TO DISABLED PERSONS FOR PURCHASE/FITTING OF AIDS/APPLIANCES (ADIP SCHEME)

In the light of the Government’s growing stress on helping disabled persons and in bringing the aids and appliances within their reach, it has been decided to continue the ADIP Scheme and modify it in such a way that it becomes more user-friendly and the needy are not deprived of aids/appliances, which are essential for their social, economic and vocational rehabilitation. If they can, thereby, become earning members they would be much closer to achieve economic self-dependence and also be able to live and pursue their activities dignity.

The main objective of the Scheme is to assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhance their economic potential. The aids and appliances supplied under the Scheme must be ISI.

The Scheme shall also include essential medical/surgical correction and intervention, prior to fitment of aids and appliances, as per the following norms:

(i) From Rs.500/- to Rs.1,000/- for hearing and speech impaired.
(ii) From Rs.1000/- to Rs.2,000/- for visually disabled.
(iii) From Rs.3000/- to Rs.5,000/- for orthopedically disabled

Eligibility Criteria

A handicapped person who satisfies the below following Criteria would be eligible for assistance under ADIP Scheme:

Note: A copy of Income Certificate of beneficiaries whose resident’s stay in orphanages, half-way homes etc. Will be accepted on certification of concerned District Collector or Head of the organization.

S.No.

Total Income from all Sources

Amount of Assistance Provided

1.

Up to Rs. 15,000/- per month

Full cost of aid and appliance

2.

Rs. 15,001/- to Rs. 20,000/- per month

50% of the cost of aid and appliance

Documents Required

The below following documents (duly attested) are to be furnished at the time of submitting the application form.

Quantum of Assistance to Disabled Person

Only for those aids/appliances which do not rate more than Rs. 6,000/- are covered under this ADIP Scheme. However, for visually, mentally, speech and hearing or multiple disabilities, the limit must be Rs. 8,000/- during their study period after 9th standards. The limits will apply to individual equipment of aid and where more than one aid is required, the ceiling will apply separately.

The aids/appliances which do not Rs. 10,000/- are covered under this Scheme. Aids/appliances that do not cost more than Rs. 10,000/- are eligible under the ADIP Scheme for a single disability. However, in the case of SwDs, the students beyond the 9th class, the limit would be raised to Rs.12,000/-.

In the case of multiple disabilities, the limits will apply to individual equipment of aid and where more than one aid/appliances are required, the ceiling will apply separately.

For providing modern devices for all categories of PwDs both physical and mental and multiple disability impaired groups.

Application Procedure of the ADIP Scheme

ADIP Scheme can be applied by the below following procedure described.

To apply for this ADIP Scheme online, the applicant can visit the official site ADIP Cochlear Implant using this link.

After visiting the portal, click on the ADIP Scheme and fill out the online application form under Enrollment for Cochlear Implant Surgery and attach the scanned copy of supporting documents or else the applicant can also download the Application form from the website and send the filled Application with all the required supporting documents to the following address:

Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped
K.C. Marg, Bandra (W) Reclamation
Mumbai – 400 050
Maharashtra.
E-mail: ayjnihh-mum@nic.in

TYPES OF AIDS/APPLIANCES TO BE PROVIDED

The following aids and appliances may be allowed for each type of disabled individual. However, any other item as notified from time to time by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the purpose will also be allowed:

HEARING DISABLED

i) Various types of hearing aids

ii) Educational kits like tape recorders / CD players etc.

iii) Assistive and alarming devices including devices for hearing of telephone, TV, doorbell, time alarm etc.

iv) Communication aids, like, portable speech synthesizer etc.

In collaboration with a network of like-minded partners, People First Foundation has been providing Aids & Appliances to those in need providing dignity, independence and hope. Our environment has a direct impact on our experiencing of disability, either as a positive or enabling force, improving the opportunities for people with disabilities to undertake activities and participate in the economic and social world.

Aids and appliances help people with disabilities or age-related constraints to achieve more autonomy and mobility. A great number of aids and appliances are available on the market for people whose disabilities might be a result of an illness, an accident or old-age. Such devices can include walking-aids, wheel-chairs, prostheses or hearing-aids. Mobile communication also provides people with disabilities with many new possibilities; new devices are constantly developed in this field, such as speech- recognition programs for the computer.

People First Foundation is providing different types of aids and appliances required by orthopedically, visually and hearing handicapped persons through tie-up with Artificial Limb manufacturing companies in India to support disables and raising CSR Funds from corporate for these programs and also working as CSR implementation partner for governments, PSUs, corporate, NGOs, and central PSEs for the welfare and development of People with Disability.

 

 

5.2 Eligibility criteria for availing funding under Government schemes

 

National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation

 

The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) is a wholly owned company by Government of India. NHFDC functions as an apex institution for extending financial support for starting any activity contributing directly or indirectly in the income generation or helping Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in their overall process of empowerment through the State channelizing Agencies(SCAs) nominated by the State Government(s)/selected Public Sector Banks (PSBs)/Regional Rural Banks(RRBs).

 

 Prominent schemes being implemented by NHFDC are given below in brief :

 

 i. Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana :-

 

NHFDC provides financial assistance in terms of loan to Persons with Disabilities for starting any activity contributing directly or indirectly in the income generation or helping PwD in their overall process of empowerment through implementing agencies throughout the country including West Bengal. NHFDC provides maximum loan upto 50.0 lakh to Persons with disabilities for self-employment activity at the rate of interest 5-9% p.a. (A rebate of 1% in interest will be allowed to women with disabilities/persons with disabilities other than OH in self employment loans of upto Rs.50,000/-).

 

Any Indian citizen with 40% or more disability and age above 18 years can apply for loan under NHFDC scheme for self employment. (In case of persons with mental retardation, age is relaxed to 14 years in place of usual 18 years). The age criteria would not be required for educational loans.

 

 ii. Vishesh Microfinance Yojana (VMY) :-

Under this scheme NHFDC provides prompt and need based finance for the target group and activities at reasonable rate of interest through NBFC - MFI, Section-8-MFI, and NGO-MFI, SHG Federations, state Government Missions and other state level organizations to pursue small/micro business and development activities. The unit cost of Project shall not exceed Rs.60,000/-. The repayment period is upto 3 years from the date of disbursement of loan.
 

iii. NHFDC Swavalamban Kendra (NSK):-

NHFDC has rolled out the concept of NHFDC Swavalamban Kendra (NSK) by converging the credit needs, skilling needs, assured business linkage needs, etc on pilot scale basis and aspires to convert into a grandiose scheme, initially covering each district in the country at the rate of one NSK per district. Each NSK is established at a capital cost of around Rs. 12 lakhs by PwD entrepreneurs with the help of 100% financing from NHFDC. These NSKs will be used as mini incubation centers with hands on skilling on the locally relevant and viable businesses to train the PwDs for self-employment opportunities in and around their localities.

 

National Fund for Persons with Disabilities

The Central Government has enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 which came into force on 19.04.2017. Section 86 of the said Act mandates the Central Government to constitute the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities (herein after shall be referred as Fund). Accordingly the Government has constituted the National Fund vide its Office order dated 10.01.2018 and the Fund is functioning as a Trust under the Indian Trust Act on 18.04.2018.

The National Fund for Persons with Disabilities was introduced by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Through this scheme, the Central Government serves to provide financial assistance for the welfare of the disabled person. The main target of the scheme is to create equal opportunities, equity, social justice and empowerment of persons with disabilities. In this article, we look at the National Fund for PwDs in detail.

The scheme intends to provide financial assistance for certain areas relevant for the empowerment of persons with disabilities which are not covered under the budgetary support programme of the Government.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to apply for this scheme are as follows:  

Expenditure Covered under the Scheme

The components or expense covered under the scheme are as follows:

Release of Fund

The grant of 50% will be provided in advance, and the remaining 50% will be given after completion of the programme.

Grant of Assistance

National level Assistance: Maximum financial assistance will be Rs.20 lakh for National level.

Regional level Assistance: Maximum financial assistance will be Rs.15 lakh for Regional level (five regions namely, Southern region, Northern region, Western region, Eastern region, North Eastern region.

State level Assistance: Maximum financial assistance will be Rs.10 lakh for State level.

COMPONENTS        ADMISSIBLE FOR    ASSISTANCE UNDER            THE SCHEME

Component 1: Exhibitions/workshops to showcase the products including paintings, handicraft etc made by the PwDs.

1.     Establishment cost towards organising the event including cost for arranging venue, TA/DA to the participating PwDs invited to showcase their products/paintings, transportation cost etc.

2.     Cost of additional logistics such as arrangement for LCD screen, light, music etc.

3.     50% of the grant will be released in advance and remaining 50% will be released after completion of the programme and after receival of utilization certificate.

4.     Maximum financial assistance will be Rs 20 lakh for National level, Rs 15 lakh for Regional level (five Regions namely, Southern Region, Northern Region, Western Region, Eastern Region, Eastern Region, North Eastern Region.

Component 2: Support persons with benchmark disabilities who have excelled in sports / fine-arts / music / dance / film / theatre / literature at the State level to participate in the National and International events.

1.     To and fro Second AC train fare (shortest route) of the candidate with disability along with one escort (where as applicable), in case he/she is unable to travel alone for participation at the National event, and an amount of Rs. 2500/- per day towards boarding lodging per person.

2.     In case of international event, to and fro economic air fare (shortest route) and an amount of Rs. 4000/- per day for the entire duration of the event.

Component 3: Support certain exclusive needs of persons with high support needs as recommended by the Assessment Boards on specific recommendation by the States on a case to case basis.

 

1. The financial assistance is limited to: Actual cost of the customized mobility equipment to improve activity of daily living or Rs 1 lakh whichever is lower.

Eligibility

For Component 1: Exhibitions/workshops to showcase the products including paintings, handicraft etc made by the PwDs.

1.     The organization must be one of the following - A Government organization; An organization registered under Societies Act; An organization registered under Companies Act; An organization registered under Trust Act.

2.     The organization must have been registered for a period of three years or more.

3.     The organization must have experience of at least 2 years in organizing exhibition/workshops in marketing products/paintings.

Component 2: Support persons with benchmark disabilities who have excelled in sports / fine-arts / music / dance / film / theatre / literature at the State level to participate in the National and International events.

1.     The applicant must be a Person with Disability.

2.     The percentage of disability must be 40% or more.

3.     The Total Annual Income of Family (from all sources) of the applicant must not exceed - ₹ 3.00 Lakh per Annum (if participating in National Events and National IT Challenge); ₹ 6.00 Lakh per Annum (if participating in International Events).

4.     The applicant must have either won medals in sporting events or graded as outstanding / promising artist (as per the instructions of Ministry of Culture) during the last three years.

5.     The applicant must NOT have participated in a similar event before.

Component 3: Support certain exclusive needs of persons with high support needs as recommended by the Assessment Boards on specific recommendation by the States on a case to case basis.

1.     The applicant must have high support needs as recommended by the Assessment Board constituted by the States/UTs who have approached the States and the States could not provide such assistance from their Fund and has recommended for consideration under the Fund.

2.     The annual family income of the applicant must not be more than Rs 3 lakh or as may be specified by the Governing Body.

Exclusions

If a PwD has been granted assistance under the Fund for one National / International event, he will not be eligible for financial assistance for similar events.

 

PRERNA (Marketing Assistance)

About the scheme

1.     Prerna is the marketing assistance scheme with an objective to create viable and widespread channels for sale of products and services produced by PwDs.

2.     This scheme aims at providing funds to participate in events such as exhibitions, melas, fairs, etc. to sell the products made by PwDs.

3.     The scheme also provides an incentive to the Registered Organisation (RO) based on the sales turnover of the products.

4.     The National Trust shall fund RO participation in national, regional, state and district level events such as fairs, exhibitions, melas etc. for marketing and selling products and services prepared by PwDs.

5.     At least 51% of employees of these work centres should be PwDs covered under National Trust Act.

Scheme Description

This scheme aims at providing funds to participate in events such as exhibitions, melas, fairs, etc. to sell the products made by PwDs. The scheme also provides an incentive to the Registered Organisation (RO) based on the sales turnover of the products made by PwDs.

I. Support for participation in events

The National Trust shall fund RO participation in national, regional, state and district level events such as fairs, exhibitions, melas etc. for marketing and selling products prepared and services rendered by PwDs. However, at least 51% of employees of these work centres should be PwDs with disabilities covered under National Trust Act.

RO shall submit the proposal for each of the events in which it would want to participate as per the processes mentioned subsequently in this process. This scheme would not include any permanent stalls allotted to the National Trust.

National Trust shall also fund (up to INR 10,000 in a year) RO if they have prepared and distributed brochures in any event.

II. Incentive on Sales turnover

The National Trust shall also provide an incentive to RO against the sale of products and services prepared by PwDs on an annual basis after verification by any one of the following namely District Collector (DC) or District Magistrate (DM) or Local Level Committee (LLC) or Social Welfare Officer.

RO have to ensure that major part of the incentive should be distributed to PwDs or used for the betterment of PwDs like improving their skills and taking measures to improve their productivity etc.. Please note that the National Trust will not ask for the details or proof of utilization of the incentive.

III. Validity of Scheme Enrolment

Scheme enrolment shall be valid only for the concerned Financial Year. Once, current financial year is over, RO should enrol again in Prerna scheme to avail benefits of the scheme.

For example, if the RO registers for Prerna in September 2016, the enrolment will be valid till 31st March 2017 and if it registers for Prerna in April 2016, the enrolment will be valid till 31stMarch 2017.

 

Other schemes:

The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme: This was inserted as a component of the National Social Assistance Programme on 17th February, 2009 by the Secretary, Ministry for Rural Development. Under IGNDPS, central assistance of Rs. 300 p.m. per beneficiary is provided to persons with severe or multiple disabilities in the age group of 18-79 years and belonging to a household living BPL as per criteria prescribed by Government of India. This scheme has been implemented in 8 districts of Manipur and a total of Rs 13.4 lakhs has been received by the State Government for this scheme in 2010-11.

Composite Regional Centres for Persons with Disabilities (CRCs): Due to lack of adequate facilities for rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry has set up multiple Composite Regional Centres for Persons with Disabilities at Srinagar, Sundernagar (Himachal Pradesh), Lucknow, Bhopal, Kozhikode, Ahmedabad (No. 6-9/2009-NIs) and Guwahati to provide both preventive and promotional aspects of rehabilitation like education, health, employment and vocational training, research and manpower development, rehabilitation for persons with disabilities etc.

District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs): The Ministry with active support of State Governments is facilitating setting up District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) to provide rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities. Centres are being set up in unreached and unserved districts of the country in a phased manner. These centres are to provide services for prevention and early detection, referral for medical intervention and surgical correction, fitment of artificial aids and appliances, therapeutical services such as physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, provision of training for acquisition of skills through vocational training, job placement in local industries etc. at district headquarters as well as through camp approach.

Public Sector Banks: Under the ‘Scheme for Public Sector Banks for Orphanages, Women’s Homes and Physically Handicapped Persons’, the benefits of the differential rate of interest are available to physically handicapped persons as well as institutions working for the welfare of the handicapped. Rate of interest will be uniformly charged at 4% per annum keeping in view the social objectives. Under the scheme of Financing Small Scale Industries, a special provision has been made in the rate of interest for the physically handicapped person (0.5% concession) for availing capital limit up to Rs.2,00,000/-.

Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): Replaced the earlier ‘Scheme to Promote Voluntary Action for Persons with Disabilities’ on 01.04.2009. Under this scheme financial assistance is provided through NGOs for various projects for providing education, vocational training and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. It is a scheme to promote voluntary action for persons with disabilities. The maximum level of support could be up to 90% of the eligible amount of grant for the project. During the 10th Five Year Plan grant-in-aid to the extent of Rs. 335.4 cr. was released to NGOs under the revised DDRS.[2]

Indira Awaas Yojana: It is a centrally sponsored housing scheme for providing dwelling units free of cost to the rural poor living below the poverty line at a unit cost of Rs. 20,000 in plain areas and Rs. 22, 000 in the hill/difficult areas. Three percent of its funds are reserved for the benefit of disabled persons living below the poverty line in rural areas.

Scheme of National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: In order to recognise their effort and encourage others to strive to achieve excellence in this field, separate awards are being presented to the most efficient/outstanding employees with disabilities, best employers, best placement agency/officer, outstanding individuals, outstanding institutions, role models, outstanding creative disabled individuals and for outstanding technological innovation and adaptation of innovation to provide cost effective technology. Awards are also given to Government Sector, Public Sector Undertakings and private enterprises for creating barrier free environment for the persons with disabilities, the best district in the field of disability rehabilitation, best Local Level Committee of the National Trust and to the best State Channelising Agency (SCA) of the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC). Preference is given to the placement of women with disabilities, particularly, from the rural areas and self-employed women.

Trust Fund for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: The Supreme Court in its order dated 16th April, 2004 in the Civil Appeals No.4655 and 5218 of 2000 had directed that the banks, who had collected an estimated excess amount of Rs.723.79 crores annually from the borrowers through rounding off in collection of interest tax, should transfer it to a trust which would be used for welfare of persons with disabilities. The Court had constituted a Committee under the chairmanship of Comptroller and Auditor General of India with Finance Secretary and Law Secretary as members. The Ministry had sought directions of the Apex court for transfer of these funds to the National Trust for Welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities for purposeful utilization. The Supreme Court is yet to take a view on the request of the Ministry but in the meantime the trust has been set up and the banks have been advised by the Banking Division of the Ministry of Finance to deposit the due amount in the Trust account.

Technology Development Projects in Mission Mode: With a view to provide suitable and cost effective aids and appliances through the application of technology and to increase their employment opportunities and integration in society of the physically disabled, the above scheme was started during 1990-91. Under the scheme, suitable R&D projects are identified and funded for developing aids and appliances. The scheme is implemented through the IITs. Educational Institutes, Research Agencies and Voluntary Organisations etc. Financial assistance is provided on 100% basis. The four Technical Advisory Groups monitor the selection of the projects and also their progress at different stages in areas of disabilities, namely, Orthopaedic (including Cerebral Palsy), Visual, Speech and Hearing and Mental. All the projects those are recommended by the respective Technical Advisory Groups placed before the Apex Level Committee headed by Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Sl. No.

Description

Issuing Authority

Date Issued

1

The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDP)  D.O.J.-11013/2/2007-NSAP

Ministry of Rural Development

February, 2009

2

Composite Regional Centres for Persons with Disabilities (CRCs)

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

3

District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs)

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

1995

4

Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase /Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP Scheme)

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

01.04.2005

5

‘Scheme of Public Sector Banks for Orphanages, Women's Home and Physically Handicapped persons' D.O.No.F.301/89-SCT (B) dated 8.9.89

Department of Economic Affairs & Ministry of Welfare

08.09.1989

6

The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC)

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

24.01.1997

7

Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

01.04.2009

8

Indira Awaas Yojana

Ministry of Rural Development

May, 1985

9

Scheme of National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

2012

10

Trust Fund for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities via Civil Appeals No.4655 and 5218 of 2000

Supreme Court of India

16.04.2004

11

Technology Development Projects in Mission Mode

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

 

Introduction of New Schemes/Streamlining Existing Schemes:

(i) Scholarship Schemes for ‘Students with Disabilities: Prior to 2014 there was only scholarship scheme viz., National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities.

(ii) New Scholarship schemes introduced after 2014:-

i. Pre-matric (For Classes IX & X). Average Scholarship amount Rs. 8,500/- per annum.

ii. Post-matric (For Classes XI to Post-Graduate degree/diploma). Average Scholarship amount Rs. 35,000/- per annum.

iii. Top Class Education (For Graduate degree/Post-Graduate) Degree/Diploma in notified institutes of excellence in education). Average Scholarship amount Rs.1.75 lakh per annum.

iv. National Overseas Scholarship (For Master’s Degree/Doctorate in Universities abroad). Average Scholarship amount Rs. 20.00 lakh per annum.

v. National Fellowship for persons with Disabilities.

vi. Free Coaching (For appearing at competitive examinations for Government jobs and admission to technical and professional Courses). Average Scholarship amount Rs. 85,000/- per annum.

· All the six scholarship schemes have now been merged under an umbrella scheme titled ‘Scholarships for Students with Disabilities’ to streamline the implementation process.

· The Pre-matric, Post-matric and Top Class scholarship Schemes are implemented through the National Scholarship Portal.

· In all the scholarship schemes, grants are released to beneficiaries in DBT mode.

(iii) Further Modifications introduced in Scholarship Scheme w.e.f. 01.4.2018

I. Pre- matric:

· Rate of maintenance allowances enhanced to Rs.2400/- per annum.

· Parental income ceiling increased to Rs. 2.50 lakh per annum from Rs.2.00 lakh per annum.

· Disability allowance in the range of Rs.2000 per annum to Rs. 4000 per annum, according to type of disability.

II. Post-Matric:

· Rate of maintenance allowances enhanced Rs.8400/- per annum.

· Disability allowance in the range of Rs.2000 per annum to Rs. 4000 per annum, according to type of disability.

III. Top class:

· Graduate level courses included.

· No. of slots increased from 160 to300 .

IV. National Overseas Scholarship:

· Applications accepted throughout the year.

· Amount of solvency certificate reduced to Rs.50,000/- in view of difficulties faced by SwDs.

V. Scholarships are released through DBT Mode:

During the last eight years scholarships provided to 1.84 lakh students with disabilities at a cost of Rs.556.37 crore.

 

 

5.3 Procedure for availing funding from different agents

 

National Fund for Persons with Disabilities

1. Exhibitions/workshops to showcase the products including paintings, handicraft etc made by the PwDs.

Any interested to avail the assistance specified under the scheme can apply through the application form (Annexure I) which is attached below for your reference.

Documents Required:

  Certificate of Registration

  Supporting Document showing Experience of the Organization

  Memorandum of Association of the Organization

  PAN/TAN/GST Number

  Invitation letter inviting trade/marketing bodies

Duly filled application along with the required documents has to be addressed to the respective officer.

Joint Secretary & CEO of the Fund,

Room No. 527, 5th Floor, B-III Wing,

Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan,

CGO Complex,

Lodhi Road,

New Delhi – 110003.

 

Support persons with disabilities who have excelled in sports/fine-arts/music/dance/film/literature at the state level to participate in the International and National events.

Any interested to avail the assistance specified under the scheme can apply through the application form (Annexure II) which is attached below for your reference.

Documents Required:

1.     Copy of valid permanent certificate of disability

2.     AADHAAR Number or AADHAAR enrollment number (if AADHAAR card not yet obtained).

3.     Certificate showing winning of medals at the State/National level or certificate showing achievement in the field of fine arts/painting/music.

4.     Invitation from the organizer of National/International event.

Duly filled application along with the required documents has to be addressed to the respective officer.

Joint Secretary & CEO of the Fund,

Room No. 527, 5th Floor, B-III Wing,

Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan,

CGO Complex,

Lodhi Road,

New Delhi – 110003.

Support certain needs of persons with high support need as recommended by the Assessment Boards on the specific recommendation by the States on a case to case basis.

Any interested to avail the assistance specified under the scheme can apply through the application form (Annexure III) which is attached below for your reference.

Documents Required:

  Copy of valid permanent certificate of disability

  AADHAAR Number or AADHAAR enrollment number (if AADHAAR not yet obtained).

  Copy of the recommendations of the Assessment Board

  Certificate from the State Government conveying that the initially the proposal was submitted to them and it was not possible for the States to grant any assistance. In addition a copy of the recommendation from the State clearly indicating the requirement of assistance.

Duly filled application along with the required documents has to be addressed to the respective officer.

Joint Secretary & CEO of the Fund,

Room No. 527, 5th Floor, B-III Wing,

Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan,

CGO Complex,

Lodhi Road,

New Delhi – 110003.

 

 

5.4 Challenges encountered with cost involved in maintenance of devices after availing funding and ways to overcome

 

It is a waste of time and resources to provide a person with an assistive device if that device breaks down after a short period of time and cannot be repaired or replaced. Repair and maintenance of assistive devices is a crucial part of any strategy to achieve equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. The term "repair" refers to modifications made to a device when it is in poor or no working condition, in order to make it work properly again. "Maintenance" refers to the modification or replacement of parts made to prevent possible failures while the device is still working properly, in order to prevent repair from being necessary. Both functions can be performed by users themselves with or without the help of others with mechanical skills. Repair work is more likely to require the help of mechanics or technicians.

The ease of repair and maintenance depends partly on the design of devices, and partly on the availability of infrastructural and technical support near the users. Without some state aid, this support will grow only with time, economic progress and market demand which may not be primarily defined by the needs of disabled people. Imported devices are typically the most difficult to maintain and repair, partly for lack of components, but also because manufacturers often do not supply instruction manuals for this purpose. Users may not even know that such documents exist, especially when they purchase the devices. India has faced this problem with respect to braille presses and computerized braille printers. If people with disabilities and their helpers receive adequate instruction on the maintenance of their devices when they receive them, much less time and effort will have to be spent on repairs. Prolonged exposure to humidity, dust, sand, mud, heat, water and sunlight can cause problems such as corrosion, increased friction in moving parts and hardening of thermoplastics through ultraviolet radiation.

Many users of hearing aids, for example, stop using them when they have to replace batteries and cords, which are not easily available in rural areas. Similarly, breakage of orthoses among children is usually high. In itself, this may be a good sign, as it indicates that the children have really been using the devices. But if the breakages are not dealt with quickly, children may stop using the orthoses and revert to moving as they did before the orthoses enabled them to become more active. The use of orthoses requires even more follow-up, with closer attention to detail, than the use of prostheses. An old prosthesis will not work as well as it used to if a child wearing it outgrows it but an old orthosis, in the same situation, will not work at all.

In one case, a user brought prosthesis back to the rehabilitation centre after seven years, during which time he had been trying many different methods of repair, as he had had access neither to a repair facility nor to replacement prosthesis. Living with limb disability is challenging. Many studies reveal that the quality of life of people with disabilities is lower than people without disabilities. Lower limb disabilities challenge the affected individual in many ways due to problems in mobility and stature. Fortunately, assistive device technology helps to overcome many challenges faced by people with lower limb disabilities. Assistive technology is an umbrella term used for a wide assortment of devices and services that support people with disabilities. Furthermore, it is an international priority to produce barrier-free societies for people living with disability.

Cost often deters many people with disabilities from getting their devices repaired or maintained. Many developing countries of the ESCAP region have schemes for providing assistive devices to people with disabilities, or at least those able to obtain the necessary official papers, at concessional rates. They do not, however, usually offer a similar subsidy for repairs. As a result, poor people with disabilities find it extremely difficult to afford new parts or new devices. If workshops are far away, the costs of transportation, board and lodging become a further barrier.

Repair and maintenance are not, of course, entirely rural problems. Devices like computerized braille embossers, text reading machines, and stair lifts are often difficult to repair even in cities and towns. The reasons can be nonavailability of spare parts, lack of local technical skills, or both. most people with disabilities in the region live in rural areas; rural areas are deprived of repair and maintenance services because it is more difficult for such services to reach them; and assistive devices are subjected to far more strain in rural than in urban areas. Local mechanics and artisans can repair some devices, although they may require additional equipment and training.

Challenges in maintenance of devices after availing:

·      Lack of funds

·      Low incomes

·      Lack of donors

·      Attitudes of donors

·      Lack of quality of devices

·      Accessibility problems

·      Inadequacy of knowledge on newer assistive devices

·      Social stigma in transport

·      Attitudes of user

Multiple barriers in using assistive technology by persons with Disabilities. These need to be addressed by improving local infrastructure and accessibility facilities, heightening public awareness, ensuring funding and a continuous supply of assistive devices supported by maintenance services. Those who prescribe these devices should communicate and convey information properly to the recipients. Persons with physical disabilities should be helped to gain more knowledge about assistive devices, especially about the availability of more modern ones. They should be given support to modify their physical and social environments. Their physical symptoms should be treated to improve physical functioning, and their psychological health should be monitored to improve mental well-being when using assistive devices

 

 

5.5 Agencies/Strategies to locate required human resources for various services and referrals

 

Human resources are the people who make up the workforce of an organization, business sector, or economy. "Human capital" is sometimes used synonymously with "human resources", although human capital typically refers to a more narrow view (i.e., the knowledge the individuals embody and economic growth). Likewise, other terms sometimes used include "manpower", "talent", "labour", "personnel", or simply "people". A human-resources department of an organization performs human resource management, overseeing various aspects of employment, such as compliance with labour law and employment standards, administration of employee benefits, and some aspects of recruitment and dismissal.

Human Resource development and Disability

Disability rehabilitation in India has a long past but a short scientific history. Groups and individuals initiated for betterment and improvement of the disabled person but unfortunately these efforts were individualistic and perhaps unorganized and ad-hoc in nature though they were committed to improve the condition of disabled persons. There was little concern for systematic and scientific efforts in this direction. Systematic efforts has started as of IYDP 1981.

Disability though to a large extent inherited, environment has a substantial role to play in growth and development. One can visualize disability Rehabilitation and HRD

The following model would explain the range of activities in relation to Human Resource

National Institutes

Over a period of time, National Institutes (NIs) in the field of disability have been set up under this Department. NIs are in the nature of autonomous bodies established under Society Registration Act focusing on specific types of disabilities. These Institutes are primarily engaged in Human Resources Development in the field of disability by conducting various courses, providing rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities (PwDs) and promoting Research and Development efforts in the field.

There are nine NIs as given hereunder:

 

National Institute for the  Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun

Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD), Mumbai 

National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad

National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai

Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD), Delhi

Swami Vivekanand National Institute of the Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), Cuttack

National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata

Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi

National Institute of Mental Health and Rehabilitation (NIMHR), Sehore

Cabinet approved the proposal of Establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh in October, 2018 under the aegis of this Department.  Total approved cost (both Recurring and Non Recurring) for initial three years is Rs.179.54 crore out of which Rs.105.68 crore is for construction of building of NIMHR. NIMHR has been registered as a Society under the Madhya Pradesh Societies Registration Act, 1973 on 28.05.2019.  Construction of the building of the Institute is under progress through CPWD. Meanwhile, the Institute has started functioning from a rented accommodation from 30.09.2019.

 

S.No.

Name Of The National Institute

Address & Phone Number

Website Of The Institute

1.

National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD)

116, Rajpur Road, Dehradun-285001 

Tel: 0135-2744491

www.nivh.gov.in

2.

Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD)

K.C. Marg, Bandra (W) Reclamation Mumbai - 400 050

Tel: 022-26422638

www.ayjnihh.nic.in

3.

National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities  (NIEPID)

Manovikas Nagar, Bowenpally, Secunderabad, Telangana- 500009

Tel: 040-27759267

www.niepid.nic.in

4.

National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD)

East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Kovalam Post, Chennai

Tel: 044-274721040

www.niepmd.tn.nic.in

5.

Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD)

4, Vishnu Digambar Marg, New Delhi- 110002

Tel: 011-23232403

www.iphnewdelhi.in

6.

Swami Vivekanand National Institute of the Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR)

Olatpur, P.O: Bairoi, Cuttack, Odisha- 754010

Tel: 0671-2805552

www.svnirtar.nic.in

7.

National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD)

B T Road, Bonhooghly, Kolkata- 700090

Tel: 03325311248, 033-2531078

www.niohkol.nic.in

8.

Indian Sign Langauge Research & Training Centre (ISLRTC)

A-91, First Floor, Nagpal Business Tower, Okhla Phase-II, New Delhi- 110020

Tel: 2638-7558/7559

www.islrtc.nic.in

9.

National Institute of Mental Health and Rehabilitation (NIMHR)

Purana Zila Panchayat, Luniya Chauraha, Mandi Road, Sehore (M.P)- 466001

Tel: 07562223960

www.nimhr.ac.in

 

 

Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRCs)

Department has approved setting up of 21 Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) as extended arms of National Institutes. Basic objective of CRCs are to provide rehabilitation services to all categories of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), train rehabilitation professionals, workers and functionaries, undertake programmes of education and skill development for PwDs and create awareness among parents and the community regarding needs and rights of PwDs. The details of 21 CRCs are as under:-

 

S.No.

Name Of CRCs

Name NIs Under Which CRC Working

URLs Of Websites

1.

CRC, Guwahati  (Assam)

SVNIRTAR, Cuttack

crcguwahati.com

2.

CRC, Ranchi (Jharkhand)

SVNIRTAR, Cuttack

--

3.

CRC, Balangir (Odisha)

SVNIRTAR, Cuttack

--

4.

CRC, Manipur

SVNIRTAR, Cuttack

--

5.

CRC, Nellore, (A.P.)

NIEPID, Secunderabad

crcnlr.nic.in

6.

CRC, Rajnandgaon (Chattisgarh)

NIEPID, Secunderabad

crcrajnandgaon.nic.in

7.

CRC, Devengere (Karnataka)

NIEPID, Secunderabad

crcdvg.nic.in

8.

CRC, Sundernagar (H.P.)

NIEPVD, Dehradun

crcsnr.org

9.

CRC, Gorakhpur (U.P.)

NIEPVD, Dehradun

crcgkp.org.in

10.

CRC, Sikkim

NIEPVD, Dehradun

--

11.

CRC, Bhopal (M.P.)

AYJNISHD, Mumbai

crcbhopal.nic.in

12.

CRC, Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

AYJNISHD, Mumbai

www.crcahmedabad.org

13.

CRC, Nagpur (Maharashtra)

AYJNISHD, Mumbai

crcnagpur.org

14.

CRC, Srinagar (J&K)

PDUNIPPD, Delhi

crcsrinagar.in

15.

CRC, Lucknow, (U.P.)

PDUNIPPD, Delhi

crciphlko.in

16.

CRC, Patna, (Bihar)

NILD, Kolkata

crcpatna.com

17.

CRC, Agartala (Tripura)

NILD, Kolkata

niohkol.nic.in/CRCTripura

18.

CRC, Naharlughan (Arunachal Pradesh)

NILD, Kolkata

niohkol.nic.in/RCNaharlagun

19.

CRC, Kozhikode (Kerala)

NIEPMD, Chennai

crckozhikode.gov.in

20.

CRC, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

NIEPMD, Chennai

--

21.

CRC, Shillong

NIEPMD, Chennai

--

 

 

Role of NGOs and the Community

In the present scenario, the term disability has undergone a sea change especially in the last few decades by what is popularly known as the social model of disability. So to deal with this growing concern affecting the nation, the NGO’s plays a proactive role in offering the necessary opportunities in empowering this nascent group.

·      Govt and NGOs should join hands at all levels.

·      Govt. must find out replicable models developed by the NGOs with an aim  to take up and implement the same throughout the country. The model should ensure inclusion with a special focus on women and children and reaching the unreached population.

·      Govt. must use /utilise the vast experience & expertise and the network of the NGO sector.

·      Initialisation of the good practices of NGOs in a systematic manner to bring changes in the life of the people.

·      Monitoring & evaluation should be done by the civil society.

·      Govt. should be transparent and accountable to the people.

In this era of globalization, the inclusion of the disabled in the country’s mainstream constitute a significant portion of the country’s population. The NGO’s who are known to be the key drivers of the society play a proactive role in helping the nascent group to acquire growth so that the disabled can contribute to the development of the country. Though it is not possible to provide employment to the entire disabled population, it is possible to impart the necessary vocational training, motivating them to become independent and self-sufficient. In achieving that, the role of NGO in empowering the disabled in India holds immense significance.

So, the NGO who acts as the vital organs of the civil society work towards creating a congenial climate and an environment free of barriers where the disabled can also lead a healthy life like its mainstream counterparts in the society.