Page 233 - DEDU506_SPECIAL_EDUCATION_ENGLISH

Unit 32: Rehabilitation of Exceptional Children: Role of Community, Role of Government

disabilities (eg mental retardation, autism) has increased to an alarming level. This is a bad sign for Notes
healthy society.
Various schemes have been offered for the welfare of the disabled population, At times the process of
availing of the benefits of schemes is so cumbersome and time-consuming that most people prefer to
by-pass them.
Often, the government department selected for implementing a scheme is not notified of its details
and their role in it. On the other hand, when the department concerned is notified, the officers assume
a patronising attitude towards potential beneficiaries and delay the process of implementation.
The Persons with Disability Act (PDA) promises creation of facilities in almost all areas pertaining to
disability. But 'appropriate authorities' are directed to 'endeavour' or 'promote' integration (of persons
with disabilities) 'within the limits of their economic capacity and development'.
Reactions to the provisions in the Act range from complete acceptance to total rejection. Those
endorsing the Act do not feel the need to analyse its contents because they believe it is their efforts
that finally culminated in legislation for the disabled. The critics of the PDA are concerned about the
lack of an implementation mechanism. While clauses confer immunity to government authorities,
parents and family members can be criminally charged for neglect and abuse.
Full inclusion of the disabled would mean removing the physical barriers of participation. Conditions
and regulations that actually build physical barriers must be changed immediately. Thus rules for
public buildings must be modified so that such buildings are accessible to persons with disabilities.
The Motor Vehicles Act should make wheelchair accessibility an essential condition for manufacture
of public transport vehicles.
Some people view the PDA as the government's effort to provide a legislative structure to what, in
effect, is a statement of policy. But constitutional provisions without penal sanctions negate the
advantage of enforcement, and make the usefulness of the legislative instrument questionable.
To the stakeholders in the field, disability legislation in India seems progressive in spirit but lacking
in the strength to progress. On the other hand, a strong legislation might remove legal barriers to
participation but cannot ensure removal of social barriers against people with disabilities. The use of
powerful legislation has the advantage of creating an enforceable right, but the disadvantage is that
the disabled may obtain inclusion without participation.
This brings us back to the social attitude towards disability. Most Indians view disability as matter of
charity rather than a human rights issue. The charity perspective, while ensuring care and tolerance,
promotes dependency among the disabled. The charity perspective also reinforces the belief that
decisions regarding the nature, amount and recipient of charity should lie with the donor. On the
other hand, the disabled and their families must accept their hardship with fortitude, as it is a part of
their karma.
Self Assessment
2. Multiple Choice Questions
Choose the correct option:
(i) The ministry of Railways offers a discount of .......................... on fare for all classes and 50%
on season tickets to a person with disability on production of a valid certificate of disability.
(a) 50% (b) 25% (c) 75% (d) 90%
(ii) The parent of guardian of a disabled person is entitled to a deduction of .................................
in tax or income.
(a) 40,000 (b) 10,000 (c) 20,000 (d) 80,000
(iii) The disability unit of universities would ensure that persons with visual, hearing and physical
impairments are employed in the university under the ............... job reservation scheme.
(a) 4% (b) 3% (c) 5% (d) 7%

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 227