WELFARE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
- For the marginalised sections of society, National Policy for Persons with Disabilities was finalised in 2005.
- The policy focuses on the prevention of disabilities, the physical and economic rehabilitation measures for disabled persons.
- A comprehensive law, namely, the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 was enacted and enforced in February, 1996.
- The law deals with both prevention and promotion aspects of the rehabilitation such as education, employment and vocational training, creation of barrier-free environment, provision of rehabilitation services etc.
NATIONAL TRUST FOR THE WELFARE OF PERSONS WITH AUTISM, CEREBRAL PALSY, MENTAL RETARDATION AND MULTIPLE DISABILITIES
- The National Trust is a statutory body under “The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999”.
- The main objectives of the Trust are to enable and empower persons with these disabilities to live independently as fully as possible, to extend support to registered organisations providing need-based services and to evolve procedure for appointment of legal guardians for persons with disabilities requiring such protection.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
- The Chief Commissioner is an important statutory functionary, appointed under Section 57 of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
- The functions and duties of the Chief Commissioner include coordinating the work of State Commissioners for persons with disabilities, monitoring of utilisation of funds disbursed by the Central Government, taking steps to safeguared rights and facilities made available to persons with disabilities etc.
- The Chief Commissioner can also take suo motu notice of non-implementation of any rule, law, etc. meant for persons with disabilities and is vested with the powers of a civil court relating to summoning of witness etc.
REHABILITATION COUNCIL OF INDIA
- The Rehabilitation Council of India is a statutory body set up under the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992.
- The Council is responsible for regulating the training polices and programmes for various categories of professionals in the area of rehabilitation and special education.
