Vocational Rehabilitation

“VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION-THE CHALLENGE AND ROAD
AHEAD.”
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
PROJECT ON
“VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION:
THE CHALLENGE AND ROAD AHEAD.”
SUBMITTED BY
SNEHA SHESHRAO BHONGADE
PROJECT GUIDE
Prof. V. S. GOPAL
BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

SEMESTER V
(2009-10)
V.E.S. COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE,
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SINDHI COLONY, CHEMBUR – 400071
PROJECT ON
SUBMITTED BY
PROJECT GUIDE
Prof. V. S. GOPAL

SEMESTER V
(2009-10)
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PROJECT ON
Submitted
In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements
For the Award of the Degree of
Bachelor of Management
By
PROJECT GUIDE
Prof. V. S. GOPAL

SEMESTER V
(2009-10)
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DECLARATION
I SNEHA SHESHRAO BHONGADE student of BMS – Semester V (2009-10)

hereby declare that I have completed this project on,
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION: CHALLENGE AND ROAD AHEAD.
The information submitted is true & original to the best of my knowledge.
Student’s Signature
Name of Student
____
___________________
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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Ms. SNEHA SHESHRAO BHONGADE of

TYBMS has successfully completed the project on
“VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION: CHALLENGE AND ROAD AHEAD”
under the guidance of Prof. V. S. GOPAL.
Project Guide Principal

Prof. V. S. GOPAL Dr. (Mrs.) J. K. PHADNIS
Course Coordinator
Mrs. A. MARTINA
External Examiner
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It is a pleasure for me to thank the many people who in different ways have supported
my project related studies and contributed to the process of making this project.
Firstly, I would like to thank my project guide Prof. V. S. GOPAL for his support,
cooperation and fruitful discussions during my research on the topic -“VOCATIONAL
REHABILITATION: THE CHALLENGE AND ROAD AHEAD.”
Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude to all my college and in particular to the
coordinator of Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS); Mrs. A. MARTINA, for providing me
such an interesting topic for my university project and their by supporting, and cooperating with
me during my project.
I would especially like to thank Mr. S. Z. H. ZAIDY - Deputy Director

(Rehabilitation) and the Staff of Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (Mumbai) for their special
guidance, discussion and there sincere interest in my project work.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION:
“Disabled persons are handicapped not because of their disability, but

because of lack of access to information about their rights and entitlements
and how to get them.”
Stratification of society based on age, sex, religion, caste, creed, power, and wealth,
physical and mental ability is a reality. Human beings have made constant efforts to fight
against injustice based on stratification and bring about some amount of equality, fairness and
respect for human rights above all. Disability is one such stratification, which leads to a number
of social and physical deprivations and disadvantages. According to a conservative estimate,
there are about 600 million disabled people across the world, of these, 420 million (70%) live
in developing countries. 80% of the disabled population in developing countries live below the
poverty line, that is a staggering 335 million disabled people. One out of five of the poorest of
the poor is a Person with Disability. It means that 20% of the poorest of the poor and most
marginalized are Persons with Disabilities.
These facts are also true of India. According to conservative estimates there are about
60 million Persons with Disability in the country. They constitute 10% of the world’s disabled
population and 15% of the disabled population of the developing countries. Out of this 80% live
in rural areas 49 million disabled people in India live below the poverty line.
We say India is progressing towards success but when I see any blind or any
handicapped person on my way it force me to think about “what have the government done for
the development of this handicapped people?” it was then I started studying on the disables and
their training institutions. During the study I found myself knowing very little about them and
the facilities provided to them. It was then I came to know that the present situation of disables
and the increase in the disabilities in the country is not because of the discrimination made by
the people or by the government; but it is because of the less knowledge of people about
disability. Awareness is the factor which would be very helpful to decrease the amount of
growing disabilities in the country, and reduce their mental and physical problems to some
extent.
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Thus by doing the project and understanding the disables totally I would like to take my
step forward towards the development of the disabled and the handicapped people in the
country.
MAIN STUDY:
The project mainly focuses on the Disables, the Vocational Rehabilitation Centers and
the Government Role in providing various facilities and benefits to the disables or in favor of
disables development of the disables, the challenges face by then and the future of the disabled
person.
SUB STUDY:
In order to study the main points of the project various other accepts related to the
project can in to picture and they were studied like what is rehabilitation, types of disabilities,
need for rehabilitation, technique of evaluation adopted by Vocational Rehabilitation Centers,
process of evaluation etc.
PRACTICAL STUDY / SURVEY:
A practical study / survey were done to understand the actual process or working of the
vocational rehabilitation centers. This study was done at vocational rehabilitation office in Sion,
Mumbai. The practical experience of watching the disables working has helped me to find their
difficulties and understand when and what kind of help they require. It has positively added on
to my project work, and made my motive of spreading awareness about the disability more
powerful.
CONCLUSIONS:
With support, people can overcome even severe disabilities while maximizing their
abilities and lead fulfilling and productive lives. Opening opportunities and removing barriers
to people with disabilities is a work in progress, but as you will see in some of these articles, the
results can be truly inspiring. The motive of doing the project on the rehabilitation of disables is
to make all the able people say "Let us help you throw away your crutches and play on the
beach" to the disables.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY………………………………… 1-7

1.1. INTRODUCTION TO VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION………………... 1
1.2. REHABILITATION……………………………………………………………. 2
1.3. IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION……………………………………... 3
1.4. DIFFERENT KINDS OF REHABILITATION……………………………….. 4
1.5. TYPER OF REHABILITATION………………………………………………. 5
2. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VR)………………………….. 8-15

2.1. WHAT IS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION? ............................................ 8
2.2. WHAT IS DONE IN VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION? ......…………… 8
2.3. CONCEPT OF DISABILITY………………………………………………….. 9
2.4. TYPES OF DISABILITY AND DESCRIPTION OF DISABILITY………… 10

2.4.1.DISABILITIES BY SEX…………………………………………………….. 11
2.4.2.DISABILITY AND LITERACY…………………………………………….. 11
2.4.3.DISABILITY BY RESIDENCE……………………………………………... 12
2.5. WHO NEEDS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES? ................. 15
3. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRE (VRC)

(MUMBAI)……………………………………………………………. 16-
29
3.1. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………… 16
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3.1.1.SERVICES RENDERED ……………………………………………………. 17
3.2. TECHNIQUES OF EVALUTION……………………………………………... 19
3.3. PROCESS OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION…………………………. 22
3.4. CHALLENGE AND PROBLEMS FACED……………………………………. 25
4. GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT……………………………… 30-46

4.1. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA SCHEMES……………………………………… 30
4.2. FACILITIES AND BENEFITS………………………………………………… 32
4.3. NGO’S ROLE…………………………………………………………………… 40
4.3.1.NGO’S SUCCESS STORY…………………………………………………… 43
4.4. FUTURE PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT NEEDS…………………………… 45
5. CASE STUDY: A SUCCESSFUL HANDICAPED PERSON……… 47-48
6. SUGGESTION AND RECOMMENDATION……………………..... 49
7. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………. 50
8. BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………. 51
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1. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
India has some 40 to 80 million persons with disability. But low literacy, few jobs and
widespread social stigma are making disabled people among the most excluded in India.
Children with disabilities are less likely to be in school, disabled adults are more likely to be
unemployed, and families with a disabled member are often worse off than average. With better
education and more access to jobs, people with disabilities can become an integral part of
society, as well as help generate higher economic growth that will benefit the country as a
whole. In the years to come, the number of disabled people in India is expected to rise sharply
as age related disabilities grow and traffic accidents increase.
India has a growing disability rights movement and one of the more progressive policy
frameworks in the developing world. But, a lot more needs to be done in implementation and
“getting the basics right”. Newer thinking and better coordination of programs is called for.
Preventive health programs need to be deepened and all children screened at a young age.
People with disabilities need to be better integrated into society by overcoming stigma; disabled
adults need to be empowered with employable skills; and the private sector needs to be
encouraged to employ them. The scale of disability in India needs to be better understood, by
improving the measurement of disability. Most importantly, persons with disabilities should
themselves be made active participants in the development process.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) centers help the people with disabilities to overcome
from their mental stress and to make them self physically able to do work and empower them
with employable skills for their living. Vocational Rehabilitation is a program provides services
to help individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment. It is designed to help
individuals of work age with disabling physical and/or mental disabilities compete successfully
with others in earning a livelihood. Vocational Rehabilitation programs take an active
leadership role in advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, removing the
physical and attitudinal barriers which often confront them, and publicizing their abilities and
accomplishments to society at large.
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1.2 REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation is defined as a combination of methods that are focused in restoring the

patient's useful life. Whether you have been in an accident or just experienced a medical
problem, rehabilitation could help your body achieve the normal daily functions by different
kinds of recovery techniques.
Rehabilitation is a beautiful word. It is a generic term, with no medical, social or abuse-

related connotation. Rehabilitation means to‘re-habitat’, to go back to the original habitat or
condition. When the habitat changes, man tend to lose his sense of comfort and want to go back
to the original condition. Re + habitat or ‘rehabilitate’ is the process of going back to the
original condition. In a spiritual or philosophical sense, rehabilitation means going back to our
original habitat or primal condition, the source from where the universe originated.
It is a process uses an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals to help a person

to reach their fullest physical, psychological, social, vocational, a vocational, and educational
potential consistent with his or her goals and life plans. Rehabilitation is a program that helps a
person who is recovering from illness or injury to regain as much function as possible. The aim
is to make the person become as teach strategies for ongoing disabilities.
Sometimes rehabilitation is said to embrace a 'medical model.' When people are

physically ill, causes of their illness are diagnosed and then "treated." Each person's medical
problems may be different and treatment will differ accordingly; that is, medical intervention is
individualized. Thus, people with same illness may, depend on the personal conditions (e.g.,
age, prior health), receive different medicines and stay in hospital for different period of time.
Correctional rehabilitation shares same logic- Causes are uncovered and treatments are
individualized. This is why rehabilitation is also referred to as "treatment."
Correctional and medical treatments are alike in one other way: they assume that
experts, scientifically trained in the relevant knowledge on how to treat their "clients," will
guide the individualized treatment that would take place. In medicine, this commitment to
training physicians in scientific expertise has been institutionalized, with doctors required to
attend medical school. In corrections, however, such professionalization generally is absent or
only partially accomplished.
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1.3 IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION
The term "rehabilitation" refers to a process aimed at enabling persons with disabilities
to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and/or social
functional levels, thus providing them with the tools to change their lives towards a higher level
of independence. Rehabilitation may include measures to provide and/or restore functions, or
compensate for the loss or absence of a function or for a functional limitation. Rehabilitation
process does not involve initial medical care. It includes a wide range of measures and activities
from more basic and general rehabilitation to goal-oriented activities, for instance
vocational.rehabilitation.(returning.to.work).
Rehabilitation is important whether a patient or person has just been out from a hospital
due to cardiac problems, if a patient has just been on a tragic accident, or if a patient or the
person has been abusing drugs and or alcohol or if the person is suffering from any kind of
disability or disorder weather mental or physical it can be from the time of his or her birth of
can accrue because of any kind of accident. Whether physical or psychological, rehabilitation
from diseases, injuries or disorders is important to improve one's medical and mental health
through different techniques, medication and support.
However, rehabilitation methods differ from one patient to other and from person to
person depending upon the disorder suffered by him. This is because patients of drug and
alcohol abuse need to undergo withdrawal, behavior therapies, psychological support and other
treatments to ensure immediate and long-lasting results. On the other hand, rehabilitation from
injuries and diseases need constant care and supervision from health experts in improving
function abilities and maintaining proper medical health.
There are various rehabilitation methods which may vary according to the person’s
personality, his mentality, the disorder, the level of problem etc. But the aim of rehabilitation
remains the same that is to make the person or patient capable enough to do work, to go back to
original habitat or condition, to recovering from illness or injury and to make the person
independent enough to earn his living. A lack of rehabilitation will undoubtedly reduce their
level of independence and, ultimately, quality of life. Early intervention is associated with an
improved outcome, irrespective of whether a full recovery takes place.
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1.4 DIFFERENT KINDS OF REHABILITATION
Any kind of rehabilitation strives to meet one goal - to improve the lives of those who
have been diagnosed with a disease, who have experienced injuries or who have chronic drug
addiction. For patients who have been diagnosed with diseases, such as lung and heart
problems, spinal disorders, cancer or other disease that may affect physical functions,
rehabilitation can provide the needed help for the patients to return to work or home.
When a person undergoes rehabilitation after a disease, experts examine the patient by
treating symptoms, addressing risk factors, providing counseling or family support and
restoring the physical fitness. If a person has gone through injuries from sports, accidents or
other reasons, rehabilitation can help in improving functionality of movements and
maximizing one's health. Through this kind of rehabilitation, not only is the physical aspects
covered, but also the mental, psychological and sociological aspects in achieving full
recovery.
Rehabilitation from injuries requires constant care by providing exercise therapies to

regain muscles lost and recover from trauma experienced by allowing contact to other patients
who have experienced similar injuries. Patients who need rehabilitation from alcohol or drug
abuse require treatment programs that are as complicated as rehabilitation from injuries and
diseases. This is because each treatment is conducted individually to fit the patient's medical,
physical and psychological needs.
Rehabilitation, regardless of cause and treatments needed, can help people in regaining
their social status by enabling them to live normal and healthy lives.
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1.5 TYPES OF REHABILITATION
The main purpose or rehabilitation is to make the person mentally and physical capable
and strong. Thus it is not necessary that the person should suffer from and kind of disability or
injury. People suffering from depression, mental stress, drug addicted people etc; are also
treated in the rehabilitation centers by different rehabilitation methods. This can take months or
even years to complete the process and to cure the person fully depending on the injury.
A. PHYSICAL REHABILITATION
Physical therapist is a person who rehabilitates the person suffering from physical
sickness. Physical rehabilitation deal with any type of bone or muscle injury that impairs
movement including shoulder, neck, or back. It may have been caused by an auto accident, an
occupational injury, or a sports injury. Developed conditions or injuries can also be treated with
this type of treatment. Arthritis, stroke, repetitive strain, and many other disorders are included
here.
B. OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION
Anytime someone experiences a loss of the basic skills needed to perform daily
activities, they need to see an occupational therapist. While this often focuses on upper body
issues, it can also include a number of mental skills. These often occur with patients who have
suffered brain injury, or a stroke. Some of the problems they deal with can include the
movement of the neck or jaw. It can also include life skills such as cooking, reading, writing,
and math. The type of treatment methods, the length of treatment, and the recovery time will all
vary on a case by case basis. Depending on the particular injury, this might also include
additional treatment from a psychologist or councilor.
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C. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
For those with disabilities, vocational rehabilitation services help them to work.
Vocational rehabilitation services are typically run by the state or a federal organization. They
help disabled individuals by giving them access to multiple services including vocational
counseling, training and job placement.
D. PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION
Psychiatric rehabilitation, also known as psychosocial rehabilitation, is the process of
restoration of community functioning and wellbeing of an individual who has a psychiatric
disability (diagnosed with a mental disorder). Rehabilitation work undertaken by psychiatrists,
social workers and other mental health professionals seeks to effect changes in a person's
environment and in a person's ability to deal with their environment, so as to facilitate
improvement in symptoms or personal distress. These services often "combine pharmacologic
treatment, independent living and social skills training, psychological support to clients and
their families, housing, vocational rehabilitation, social support and network enhancement, and
access to leisure activities". There is focus on challenging stigma and prejudice to enable social
inclusion, on working collaboratively in order to empower clients, and sometimes on a goal of
full psychosocial recovery.
E. AQUATIC REHABILITATION SERVICES
Because of water's ability to absorb some of the weight and shock of the human body, it
becomes an excellent method for treating those with endurance, strength, flexibility, and joint
problems. Specialists called aquatic therapists create a custom treatment program to match the
individual's injury as well as his or her lifestyle in an effort to return it to normal. This type of
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treatment has been so successful, specially trained veterinarians have started using the same
techniques on horses and other animals who have sustained joint or bone damage.
F. LOW VISION AND SPEECH REHABILITATION
While this can overlap with occupational rehabilitation service, this area focuses
specifically on vision therapy. Unlike other programs where treatments will often reverse the
damage, low vision therapists focus on helping patients adapt to their condition. Patients learn
how to use the remaining vision they have with along with other techniques involving other
senses such as touch and sound to help them lead a life that is as normal as possible. Speech
therapists work with patients (often the victim of a stroke) to train them to speak clearly. They
will also work with those who have difficulty eating and swallowing. This could include
practicing certain sounds, eating a certain diet, or maintaining a certain level of hydration.
These are few of the methods by which a person can be rehabilitated. There are many
other rehabilitation treatment methods which vary according to the person’s ability to overcome
his disability. Rehabilitation services supplements a variety of other treatment to help patients
return to their normal lives. In fact, they can help in many instances where all other treatments
have failed.
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2. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VR)
2.1 WHAT IS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION?
Vocational rehabilitation is gaining more and more attention by mental health

service planners and providers and it is no mystery why. First, when consumers or the person
suffering from the disability and their families are asked what services they want or need, one
of the most frequent responses is vocational services and jobs. Second, when people with
psychiatric disabilities are working, they are less likely to use costly, intensive mental health
services.
2.2 WHAT DO THEY DO?
The Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) is a free-standing rehabilitation center that

provides vocational evaluation, return-to-work planning, and rehabilitation services and
consultation to workers and employers. These services are offered to individuals whose
functional limitations interfere with their vocational opportunities. It is a rehabilitation center
where the people suffering from disabilities are trained and are made capable to work. This is
one of the methods to rehabilitate disabled people to overcome their mental stress, and their
physical incapability. Vocational Rehabilitation Services providers develop individual
programs that focus on your strengths and abilities, and the barriers you face in getting
employment, to help you find and keep a job. They understand and help you manage your
injury, disability or health condition.
The type of help provided by Vocational Rehabilitation Services varies depending on

your individual needs and can include, but are not limited to, assessments, identifying and
delivering vocational rehabilitation interventions and strategies to manage your injury,
disability or health condition, including interventions designed to improve endurance,
vocational counseling, counseling on disability issues, and assistance with job search and
employment placements, including work experience.
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2.3 CONCEPT OF DISABILITY
Vocational rehabilitation centers work for the betterment and to nurture the disable
people, but who are the disable people?
It is important to have an understanding of the meaning of the word disability and who
disabled people are. It can be confusing when people use different definitions of disability. Also
the British Council of Disabled People has always followed the Social Model of Disability
because other models of disability, which oppress disabled people, are all individual models.
Disability is a disadvantage or restriction on doing things that is the fault of society and
the way it is run. The world takes no account of people who have impairments and leaves them
out and stops them from doing things other people do. Disability is discrimination very much
like racism and sexism. Disabled people are those people with impairments who are disabled by
society. It is very important to know the disability the person is suffering from, so that the
person is provided with proper rehabilitation treatment.
In India different definitions of disability are introduced for various purposes and, as
such, they have been based on various criteria. No single standard exists in India in order to
evaluate disability. In common parlance, different terms such as disabled, handicapped,
crippled, physically challenged are used inter-changeably.
Census of India 2001 document mentioned "Defining and measuring disability is a

complex issue and it is not easy to communicate these concepts during the census process, in
which only a limited amount of questioning time is possible to be spent with a household for
obtaining detailed information on every individual."
With regard to definitions adopted by PWD Act Census of India stated "the concepts
and definitions of disabilities coupled with measuring its extent and its types contained in the
PWD Act, 1995 were found to be extremely difficult to canvass even in normal circumstances
assuming people had time, were willing and forthcoming to share this information and there
was an expert investigator to elicit this information."
Census therefore used its own version of definitions of disabilities Census of India
defines five types of disabilities viz. seeing, speech, hearing, movement, and mental. Seeing
disability includes a person who cannot see at all (has no perception of light) or has blurred
vision even with the help of spectacles will be treated as visually disabled.
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A person with proper vision only in one eye will also be treated as visually disabled.
Where a person may have blurred vision and had no occasion to test whether her/his eyesight
would improve by using spectacles. Such persons would be treated as visually disabled. Speech
disabled means a person will be recorded as having speech disability, if she/he is dumb.
Similarly persons whose speech is not understood by a listener of normal

comprehension and hearing, she/he will be considered to having speech disability. Persons who
stammer but whose speech is comprehensible will not be classified as disabled by speech.
Hearing disability includes a person who cannot hear at all (deaf), or can hear only loud
sounds will be considered as having hearing disability. A person who is able to hear, using
hearing aid will not be considered as disabled under this category. If a person cannot hear
through one ear but her/his other ear is functioning normally, should be considered having
hearing disability.
A person, who lacks limbs or is unable to use the limbs normally, will be considered
having movement disability. Absence of a part of a limb like a finger or a toe will not be
considered as disability. However, absence of all the fingers or toes or a thumb will make a
person disabled by movement. If any part of the body is deformed, the person will also be
treated as disabled and covered under this category.
A person, who cannot move herself/himself without the aid of another person or without
the aid of stick, etc., will be treated as disabled. Similarly, a person would be treated as disabled
in movement if she/he is unable to move or lift or pick up any small article placed near her/him.
A person may not be able to move normally because of problems of joints like arthritis
and has to invariable limped while moving, will also be considered to have movement
disability. A person who lacks comprehension appropriate to her/his age will be considered as
mentally disabled.
This would not mean that if a person is not able to comprehend her/his studies
appropriate to her/his age and is failing to qualify her/his examination is mentally disabled.
Mentally retarded and insane persons would be treated as mentally disabled. A mentally
disabled person may generally depend on her/his family members for performing daily routine.
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2.4 TYPES OF DISABILITY
2.4.1 DISABILITIES BY SEX

The classification of disabled in different categories by sex shows higher rate of
prevalence of disabilities among males as compared to females, especially in the case of
movement and mental disabilities the proportion of male is much higher as compared to
females. The reasons for this kind of trend need to be studied.
CLASSIFICATION OF DISABILITIES BY SEX

TYPES OF
SEX
DISABILITIES
PERSONS MALE FEMALE
Total 21906769 (100.00) 12605635 (57.54) 9301134 (42.46)
Seeing 10634881 (100.00) 5732338 (53.90) 4902543 (46.10)
Speech 1640868 (100.00) 942095 (57.41) 698773 (42.59)
Hearing 1261722 (100.00) 673797 (53.40) 587925(46.60)
Movement 6105477 (100.00) 3902752 (63.92) 2202725 (36.08)
Mental 2263821 (100.00) 1354653 (59.84) 909168 (40.16)
DISABILITY AND LITERACY

Education is very important for all, especially for disabled. Education provides
opportunities for employment and advancement. Literacy level among disabled of different
categories is depicted in table below.
LITERACY RATE AMONG DIFFERENT CATEGORIES

OF DISABLED
RESIDENCE PERSONS MALE FEMALE
DISABILITIES TOTAL
Total 49.31 58.15 37.32
Rural 44.40 54.11 31.31
Urban 63.87 70.05 55.36
DISABILITIES BY RESIDENCE
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Classification of disabled by residence shows that majority of disabled are living in the
rural areas. 81.07 percent of people with hearing disabilities, 76.24 percent with movement
disabilities, and 75.80 percent with speech disabilities reside in rural areas. Lack of medical
facilities, large family size, concentration of medical facilities in urban localities, etc. are the
major reasons for this trend. The paradoxical situation here is concentration of organizations
working for disabled in urban centers.
CLASSIFICATION OF DISABILITIES BY RESIDENCE

TYPES OF
RESIDENCE
DISABILITIES
PERSONS RURAL URBAN
Total 21906769 (100.00) 16388382 (74.81) 5518387 (25.19%)
Seeing 10634881 (100.00) 7873383 (74.03) 2761498 (25.97)
Speech 1640868 (100.00) 1243854 (75.80) 397014 (24.20)
Hearing 1261722 (100.00) 1022816 (81.07) 238906 (18.93)
Movement 6105477 (100.00) 34654552 (76.24) 1450925 (23.76)
Mental 2263821 (100.00) 1593777 (70.40) 670044 (29.60)
A. VISUAL / EYESIGHT DISABILITY

An eyesight disability if person doesn’t have normal vision even if he wears eyeglasses
or contact lenses. Visual impairment may be caused by several eye diseases like age related
muscular degeneration, cataracts, and more. It is meant, loss or lack of ability to execute tasks
requiring adequate visual acuity. There are vision impairments that can be treated medically,
but there also that can’t be corrected medically after accidents. Nearly 50% of disables are
visually disabled.
B. COGNITIVE DISABILITY
Cognition is another word for thinking. It includes many different functions including
our abilities to pay attention, learn and retain information, solve problems, and use language to
express thoughts. Cognitive disability refers to people with dyslexia, a brain-based type of
learning disability that specifically impairs your ability to read, and other learning difficulties.
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Learning problems differs from someone who has a serious mental impairment. This disability
can lower, or worse lose, the persons self confidence as it always does, the person can still gain
control of his or her life through use of equipment. Many people use them and they were able to
move on and face the hardships despite their condition.
C. HEARING DISABILITY
Hearing disability includes people who are completely deaf, have partial hearing in one
or both ears. However, to correct this problem, person is required the use of a hearing aid.
There are people who have hearing disability yet can still communicate through sign language.
Amongst 5.8% of disable people are suffering from hearing disability according to census.
D. SPEECH DISABILITY
Broader definition of speech disability is one who cannot speak, speak limited words or
with loss of voice or with stammering voice are classified as being speech disabled. Speech
disability covers persons who are dumb, or who cannot be understood. One who stammers but
whose speech is comprehensible was not considered as speech disabled. But later on
stammering was also considered as speech disability. Thus speech disable includes persons with
speech disability will include those who cannot speak, speak only with limited words or those
with loss of voice. It also includes those whose speech is not understood due to defects in
speech, such as stammering, nasal voice, hoarse voice and discordant voice and articulation
defects, etc. There are around 7.5% of disables suffering from speech disability.
CAUSES OF HEARING AND SPEECH DISABILITIES – 2002
PERCENT CAUSE - HEARING CAUSE - SPEECH PERCEN

DISABILITY DISABILITY T
21.3 Old age Voice disorder 12.6
23
AHEAD.”
18.6 Discharge Paralysis 11.9

8.7 Other Other 8.3
5.3 Burns and injury Burns and injury 0.9
2.1 Noise Cleft palate 4.5
1.6 Medical/surgical intervention Medical/surgical 3.8
intervention
0.7 Rubella Mental illness 2.8
23.01 Other illness and Not Known Hearing Impairment 1.6
Old age 1.1
Other illness and Not Known 46.9
E. LOCOMOTOR / MOBILITY DISABILITY

Mobility refers to different people with varying types of physical disabilities. It is often
related to individual with upper limb mobility, manual dexterity, and co-ordination problem.
Mobility impairment is one of the disability types that affect movement ranging from gross
motor skills like walking, to fine motor movement involving manipulation of objects by hand.
Some use assistive equipment such as wheelchair or electronic strollers to be able to move
around. Persons with dwarfism or deformity are considered disabled even if they are not limited
in movement of body. 27.9% disables suffer from locomotors disability.
CAUSES OF LOCOMOTOR DISABILITY - 2002

Polio 30.9 Arthritis 3.0
Burns and Injury 28.5 Old age 2.8
Illness and disease 12.7 Leprosy 2.2
Stroke 6.3 Medical/surgical intervention 2.2
Not Known and other 9.0 Cerebral Palsy 2.1
F. MENTAL DISABILITY
Persons who have difficulty in understanding routine instructions, who do not carry out
their activities like others of similar age or exhibit behaviours like talking to self,
laughing/crying, staring, violence, fear and suspicion without reason would be considered as
mentally disabled. Mentally retarded and insane persons would be treated as mentally disabled.
24
AHEAD.”
A mentally disabled person may generally depend on her/his family members for performing
daily routine. As per the census there are around 10.33% of disables suffering from mental
disability.
CAUSES OF MENTAL DISABILITY – 2002
Not known and Other 77.96

Serious illness in childhood 11.97
Head injury in childhood 3.83
Heredity 3.17
Pregnancy/birth related 3.01
2.5 WHO NEEDS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

(VR) SERVICES?
VR services are a good idea for anyone who needs assistance when returning to work
after a serious injury. A person’s individual strengths and weaknesses are assessed by highly
trained professionals to help them get back into the work place and achieve success. Typically,
VR services are used by those who have had brain injuries or a stroke. VR services will work
with these individuals to give them an individualized plan that will help them to get job. Some
of the service that is often used includes speech therapy, augmentative communication devices,
re-training, and job coaching and supportive employment.
While the goal with these services is always employment, staff understands that
everyone is different. Therefore, staff always works by local community job and industry
standards to place disabled individuals in all areas of the job field whether it is entry level,
management or a professional career. However, staff doesn’t just work with the disabled. They
also work with employers by giving them technical assistance, accessibility issues and other
needs to help employer work with disabled employees. Since staffs are highly knowledgeable
of the community, they are very adept at matching right individual with proper job opening.
Once a disabled person can work again they are on their way towards gaining independence.
3. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRE

(MUMBAI)
3.1 INTRODUCTION
25
AHEAD.”
A sizeable number of persons in India are handicapped. Government of India has been
providing relief and help in rehabilitating them so that they stand on their own feet
economically and also prove useful to the society.
Vocational rehabilitation of the handicapped person is a process which enables him to

secure suitable employment which he could retain and advance a permanent base with an
ultimate aim of integrating or re-integrating him in the society. The Vocational Rehabilitation
Centre (VRC) is a free-standing rehabilitation centre that provides vocational evaluation,
return-to-work planning, and rehabilitation services and consultation to workers and employers.
These services are offered to individuals whose functional limitations interfere with their
vocational opportunities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services are available to provide help and support to find or
keep a job. If any handicapped person is receiving assistance from a Vocational Rehabilitation
Services provider then he can expect and should receive a high level of service. The
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations monitors the way
employment services are delivered and all Vocational Rehabilitation Services must meet the
standards of service and behaviour set out in the Employment and Related Services Code of
Practice and Service Guarantees.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services' professionally qualified staff will help you manage
the effects of your injury, disability or health condition and use your skills to gain safe and
sustainable employment. Vocational Rehabilitation Services that combines vocational
rehabilitation with employment assistance. These services will be sensitive to your
circumstances and background and tailored to both your needs and abilities.
In 1968 an agreement was signed between the Government of India and the Government
of USA for setting up of two Vocational Rehabilitation Centres, one at Mumbai and other at
Hyderabad for assessing vocational and psychological needs of the handicapped persons and to
render rehabilitation assistance to them. At present 20 Vocational Rehabilitation Centers for
Handicapped have been functioning one each at Agartala, Ahmedabad, Bangalore,
Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata,
26
AHEAD.”
Ludhiana, Mumbai, Patna, Pondichery, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Una, and Vadodara.
Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Handicapped at Vadodara is exclusively for the disabled
women. In order to facilitate speedy rehabilitation of the handicapped, Skill Training
Workshops (STWs) and Rural Rehabilitation Extension Centres (RRECs) have been set up in
Mumbai.
This study has been done at VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER (VRC),

MUMBAI. Under the guidance of the Deputy Director (Rehabilitation) Mr. S.Z. H. ZAIDY.
3.1.1. SERVICES RENDERED TO THE HANDICAPPED

PERSONS BY VRCS
1
1. Interviewing adult handicapped persons for knowing their personal, social, family,
educational, economic and vocational background causing adjustment problems.
2. Admission of the handicapped persons to examine medically to assess their physical

efficiencies, measure their psychological strengths and weaknesses in respect of their
intelligence, aptitude, areas of interest, psychomotor dexterity, personality traits and areas
of adjustment.
3. Assessing the residual capacities, attributes, and functional skills of different categories
of handicapped.
4. Examination of the handicapped persons by a panel of medical specialists to identify the

degree of disability and functional capacities and suggest remedial measures.
5. Testing of the handicapped persons on the job capabilities in different trades sanctioned
under VRC’s programmes such as Electronics, Electrical, General Mechanic, Radio & TV
repair, Commercial Practice, Air-conditioning & refrigeration, Automobile, Cutting and
Tailoring, Computer Applications, Wood Work & Chair Canning, Arts & Crafts, Screen
Printing, Photography, Metal Trades, Secretarial Practice, Painting, etc.
27
AHEAD.”
6. Imparting workshop training to develop vocational adjustment in respect of their work
habits, on the job sustainability, to ensure their job adjustment best suited to their strengths
and weaknesses.
7. Evaluating the handicapped clients at the Centre to assist them in preparing their
vocational plan for enhancing their levels of knowledge & skills suited to local job market
needs and also assisting, guiding and motivating them for diverting to self-employment.
8. Imparting in-plant training under the scheme of Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment during which clients are given stipend to sustain their interest and motivation
in the training.
9. Sponsoring and assisting the handicapped persons to utilize the facilities of reservations
against the seats in various educational/training institutions.
10. Sponsoring the handicapped persons to the employers against vacancies notified to the
VRCs and taking follow up action.
11. Recommending the handicapped persons for grant of loans by the concerned financial
institutions under differential rate of interest or setting up of different ventures under
various self-employment schemes.
28
AHEAD.”
3.2 TECHNIQUES OF EVALUTION
Provision of Vocational Rehabilitation can require input from professionals from many
different disciplines, including medical professionals, disability advisers and career counselors.
According to the Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA), the techniques used can
include:
1. ASSESSMENT AND APPRAISAL:
Assessment is the process of documenting, usually in measurable terms, knowledge,
skills, attitudes and beliefs. Assessment can focus on the individual learner, the learning
community (class, workshop, or other organized group of learners), the institution, or the
educational system as a whole. A handicapped person may benefit from different types of
assistance on condition that he or she meets a number of specific criteria, usually assessed by a
medical examination. In addition to these allowances paid by social security, other measures in
favour of handicapped persons have been implemented in other areas, such as: employment,
training, mobility. In this process the abilities of the disabled person is tested on the basses of
various test taken in various fields. This helps the organization to find the subject of liking of
the disabled person.
Appraisal refers to the process of decision making. It is based on the ability of the
person what he or she can do, how well the work is performed by the person. Assessment and
appraisal both help out in deciding the field in which the disabled person should be trained.
2. GOAL SETTING AND INTERVENTION PLANNING:

The candidate is asked about his interesting fields, his likes and dislikes regarding any
subject of training. This helps the trainer to identify that in which field the candidates will do
well. Various trainers of different fields take the candidates interview and test him on the
respective subject.
3. PROVISION OF HEALTH ADVICE AND PROMOTION, IN SUPPORT OF

RETURNING TO WORK:
Some of the candidates who come for the evaluation suffer from disabilities which can
be cured. The VRC trainers give advice and tips so that such candidates get back to the work
with better abilities.
29
AHEAD.”
4. SUPPORT FOR SELF-MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH CONDITIONS:

The candidate trained in VRC becomes capable enough to take care of himself on his
own. He is not depended on others. The candidate becomes capable to earn his own living.
5. CAREER (VOCATIONAL) COUNSELING:

In vocational rehabilitation center the disables are guided with the special counseling
given by the trainers of the institution. This counseling helps the person to create his or her own
identity and to understand him / her and the world outside in a better manner.
6. CASE MANAGEMENT, REFERRAL, AND SERVICE CO-ORDINATION:

The candidate is studied by appointing his on various fields or department like
computers, printing, electronics etc; Thus the trained can identify candidate capabilities and
abilities to do the work and the department in which the candidate is good, he is trained on that
particular field.
7. PROGRAMMED EVALUATION AND RESEARCH:
The process of studying the candidate by evaluation method is done by appointing the
candidate on the respective departments chosen by the candidate or by his parents. During the
training period the candidate is trained and is study by the trainer. Research is also done to
develop the candidate.
8. INTERVENTIONS TO REMOVE ENVIRONMENTAL, EMPLOYMENT AND

ATTITUDINAL OBSTACLES:
The disables face various discrimination in social and physical world that is geared by,
for and towards non-disabled people. The commonalities in issues of racism, sexism,
homophobia and disables can be explored. There are various steps taken by the vocational
rehabilitation centers to reduce such things from the world.
9. CONSULTATION SERVICES:
Consultation is a process of dialogue that leads to a decision. The provision of
information discussing the issues and making a decision about how to manage oneself when
some problem arise weather person or any official risks. Thus the VRC’s see to it that the
disabled person is not suffering from any kind of mental stress if it is so than they try to reduce
it by consultation services.
30
AHEAD.”
10. REGULATORY SYSTEMS:
Regulations are federal requirements, directives, standards, or procedures, backed by the

use of penalties or other sanctions that are intended specifically to modify the behavior of state
and local governments, private industry, businesses, and individuals. Regulations are almost
always required whenever the federal government acts. Thus the various acts in favour of the
disabled have helped them to develop themselves. The vocational rehabilitation centers has
played very important role in regulating the various acts for the disables by forcing the
government of India’s attention towards them.
11. JOB ANALYSIS, JOB DEVELOPMENT, AND PLACEMENT SERVICES, AND

JOB ACCOMMODATIONS:
On behalf of the candidate the vocational rehabilitation centers search for the job for
them. VRC’s analysis the job, study its development and how beneficial it will be to the
candidate. Once they are satisfied with the post the recommend the job to the respective
candidate. They also search for the jobs in various organizations and accommodate their
candidate for the job if suitable.
12. THE PROVISION OF CONSULTATION ABOUT AND ACCESS TO

REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY:
Rehabilitation technology is an integral part of vocational rehabilitation services. In

working with consumers and family members, counselors should explore rehabilitation
technology services. Rehabilitation technology is a powerful tool that may be useful to persons
with disabilities in identifying, developing and achieving their employment goal. The
application of rehabilitation technology services may be of benefit to individuals with any type
of disability. These services can assist individuals in achieving maximum independent
functioning, increasing mobility, and enhancing communication leading to increased access to
employment or maintenance of employment.
Disabled individuals who want to work need to go to the vocational rehabilitation

services that are in their state. The individual must then submit an application and meet with a
vocational rehabilitation counselor to determine if they are eligible for the services and to work.
The counselor’s decision on whether or not the disability interferes with work is considered
along.with.the.individual’s.medical.documentation
31
AHEAD.”
.
3.3 PROCESS OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
The procedures involved when an individual is moving through the rehabilitation

process from referral to closure. Statuses were created to show what stage of the rehabilitation
process an individual is involved.
1. REGISTRATION /APPLICATION:
In the process the disabled person or the candidate has to fill the prescribed form
wherein he has to fill his all personal, educational details. Since it is not possible for all the
candidates to fill the form on their own their family members can fill the form. Some time the
vocational trainer may help out the candidate to fill the form
2. INTAKE:
Once the application form is filled by the candidate with all his details. He then moves
to the next stage i.e. intake where in the rehabilitation process begins when an individual
applies for services from DVR. An application form is completed and an intake interview is
held to explore the individual's medical, social, financial, educational, and vocational
experiences. This is an opportunity to explore the applicant's skills, abilities, and interests, and
to understand his/her specific vocational rehabilitation needs.
3. EVALUTION / ASSESSMENT:
An individual enters the stage when the counselor determines that an extended
evaluation is necessary to determine eligibility. Individuals placed in stage may not remain in
this status for his further course of training. This is a stage where the capabilities of the
candidate are tested.
4. ELIGIBILITY DETERMINED:
Further assessment of the individual's employment barriers is conducted when necessary

to establish eligibility for services. In this stage a particular field or department where the
candidate is excess is allotted to him.
32
AHEAD.”
5. IPE DEVELOPED BY PROVIDING VOCATIONAL TRAINING:
The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is a written plan outlining an individual's
vocational goal, and the services to be provided to reach the goal. The IPE formalizes the
planning process through which the vocational goal, service delivery and time frames for
service delivery are determined. The IPE identifies the individual's employment objective,
consistent with their unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities and capabilities
and provides a plan for monitoring progress toward achievement of the goal. Through the IPE,
individuals are informed of their rights and responsibilities in the rehabilitation process. The
individual's involvement in developing the plan is reflected throughout the IPE. Consistent with
the principle stated above, the IPE must be jointly developed, agreed upon and signed by the
consumer and the counselor.
6. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDEDPL:
Once eligibility is established, the participant and his/her vocational rehabilitation

counselor work together to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). This plan
describes the services which will be needed so that the individual can reach his/her employment
goal. Each participant's program is individually tailored to assure that the services necessary to
achieve his/her goals are provided.
7. EMPLOYMENT OBTAINED:
The anticipated outcome of the individual's vocational program is suitable employment

in a career of the individual's choice. Depending on the services needed, the program can last
anywhere from a few months to several years.
8. FOLLOW-UP:
Follow-up services are provided by the rehabilitation counselor to assure that the
individual's employment is stable and satisfactory.………………………………………. ...……...
9. SERVICE RECORD CLOSED:

The candidate one whom has been employed in services has been completed insofar as
necessary or feasible in terms of an employment outcome. The purpose of service record close
33
AHEAD.”
is to furnish a means for identifying all persons who have received post-employment services
and are being closed.
THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROCESS
Applicant
60 Day Limit
Accepted
90 Day Limit
Plan
Completed
Counseling Physical
Training
& Guidance Restoration
Ready for
Employment
Post Employment
Closed From
Post
Employment
34
AHEAD.”
3.4 CHALLENGE AND PROBLEMS FACED BY

DISABLED AND ITS SOLUTION
The term disability has always been referred as loss to Gross National Product because
of the non-participation of disabled person in the productive work. It is not because of the
disability conditions of the affected individual, but the disabling attitude of the society that
forces them to be handicapped means ‘cap–in- hands’, the equivalent term for the word beggar.
Due to lack of opportunities from primary educational level to post secondary level, most of the
disabled persons are illiterate and dependent also. In our country the education of disabled
student is a serious challenge because only five percent of students with disabilities have got
access to education. The rate of dropout among disabled students is quite high and therefore
only few of them enter higher education and if possible, to technical education.
The vocational education or the training is not a new word in the list of service for the
disabled students. During 1960’s the employment and vocational training of disabled received
significant attention worldwide and during 1970’s came into real practice. In India, Ministry of
Labour opened Vocational Rehabilitation Centres for the disabled in various parts of the
country. School based education was given much importance and hence most of the large
special schools opened ‘workshops’. To encourage the self-employment and entrepreneurship
among disabled person, the National Finance Development Corporation of disabled person is
also opened.
But in spite of these developments, how is it that students with disabilities could not
enter various fields or in technical industry, is it because of inconvenient and unfriendly
environment. Despite of continuous efforts being made by the NGO’s and the government
agencies, the progress in technical education and vocational training of the disabled has not
been satisfactory. Why is it seen that the institution providing the training to the disabled are
less n number in the country, why there are less number of trainers providing technical and non-
technical training to the disables. More focused is on the technical education because technical
qualification acquired through vocational training will strengthen their attitude to cope with
their disability and is of value in the eyes of potential employer. It also gives the individual self
confidence, the lack of which may often be a greater handicap than disability itself.
35
AHEAD.”
There are number of issues responsible for the low entry of disabled people in technical
industry or in other filed they are;
1. The ability profile of disabled person has always been judged on negatively in a society.
The labour of ‘good for nothing’ takes away the opportunity to enter the world of work but
not the disabled person. Thus it is very important to create a good, capable image of the
disabled people.
2. There are large numbers of non-disabled persons in our country who are unemployed
today. This is because of poor outcome of higher education. Therefore, many disabled
students are not encouraged by their parents to enter institution of higher learning.
Awareness should be created about the importance of education institution for the
disables so that the disabled students and their parent both are encouraged to actively get
admission in such educational institutions.
3. Entry of disabled student into institutions other than special schools is mostly prohibited
because many of them lack adequate educational eligibility and if someone has the
eligibility, then he is prevented because of inconvenient and unfriendly educational
environment. Step should be taken so that there is no discrimination between the disables
and the non-disables.
4. The educational opportunities for disabled students are restricted due to the inefficiency
of the teachers of regular schools to teach the disabled students. Proper training should be
providing to the teachers to train the disabled student, the training should be provided to
both the regular school teaching teachers as well as the special school teachers.
5. The disabled students and their parents are unaware of various facilities and
opportunities available to them because of poor information dissemination strategies. There
should be more awareness spread amongst the people. Better steps should be taken to
promote the training institution of disables.
6. No national level studies have been conducted so far to study the various occupations
for the people with disabilities. Thus their lies a big problem of providing the jobs to the
disables after completion of their training. Jobs should be created keeping in mind the
disabled peoples capabilities so that they are encouraged to get education and training.
36
AHEAD.”
7. There are many government organisation for the rehabilitation of the disabled but some
of them are only restricted to the registration of the unemployed disables. But the placement
and training aspects of the disables are not being looked after by some organistion. The
government training and placement organization should be situated nearby at less
distance and regular placement programs should be carried out.
8. The physical environments in most of the institutions are without mobile aids, signal
system and special furniture. Most of them are is consist of architectural barriers.
Government should take steps to facilitate infrastructural facilities according to the
needs of the disables.
9. Success stories of disables hardly appear on textbook, newspapers and magazines.

Spreading the success stories of disable will encourage the other disables to develop
themselves and become a successful person in life.
Many regions have to face unemployment, and meet special difficulties when dealing
with unemployment of specific categories of workers, such as disabled people, long term
unemployed people, low qualification level people. Public authorities have very often build
specific mechanisms in order to help firms which employ such people. The limit of such
policies is the project flow, which is in most cases too low to provide the necessary number of
jobs.
Economic and technological revolution will increase the problem; since firms offer less
and less jobs that can be occupied by these categories of people. There are people, able to create
and manage a firm, which are, for personal reasons, strongly motivated by doing something
which can help to solve the problem. They accept to leave their job, to earn less money, if they
can work in a firm with social goals.
They need to be helped in indentifying a project, well suited with their skills and their
goals. If we can create tools and methods that can build a project by identifying separately the
people who creates the activity and the subject (product or service, market, technology), we can
hope to increase significantly the number of creation of such projects, both in existing firms and
in new created firms. International cooperation project goal is to identify and build methods
and tools for creating social added value firms, by comparing in field activities run in different
regions, i.e. in different economic and social contexts.
37
AHEAD.”
Considering the problems and the challenges, appropriate strategies have to be evolved
in our country in order to provide convenient and friendly environment for education and
training of the disabled students in technical other institutions. The opportunities to the disabled
students can be wider if policy planners, faculty of technical institution and rehabilitation
professionals join their hands together.
The perception of faculty members of technical institution is very crucial if government

plans to improve enrolment of disabled students in technical institution. Therefore, the present
study to evaluate the perception of technical instructors on training of disabled student in
technical institutions.
Within each and every society, there are certain benchmarks that give one reassurance
that they are traveling along life's course adequately. In each life stage, there are accepted roles
that one plays. After one enters the stage of adult, parenthood soon follows. This is a regular
occurrence in almost, if not all societies throughout the world. Of course, not all adults are
parents and not all parents are adults.
However, adulthood brings with it a desire to enter the role of parent. Many times,
disabled people are discouraged from becoming parents; thereby limiting their satisfaction as
adults. As a disabled adult, you are told (overtly and indirectly) that you are able to obtain
employment, have your own home and marry. However, you are discouraged from fulfilling
any fantasies of raising a family.
Many people can't imagine the life of a disabled parent. They have a difficult time
understanding how someone might care for themselves, if they are disabled. The thought of a
disabled person caring for children adequately boggles their mind. Thus, they would rather
shop; think about the latest entertainment trends and exercise. However, there are many
disabled people who become parents. There are also a growing number of parents who become
disabled. Thus, the dual status of parent, and disabled, seems to be more prevalent than most
would like to believe.
There are solutions to these challenges, however. Not surprisingly, most of these
solutions do not involve adaptive equipment. There is adaptive equipment and can be found at
many places.
38
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Provision of incentives to the specialist teachers could be a morale booster. Incentives
could be in form of a transport allowance to help in their mobility, as they make their routine
trip from one resource classroom to the other. Promotions could also act as another incentive to
the teachers. Government should reconsider its position, specifically with regards to promotion
period for specialist teachers. Considering the specialist teachers for promotion soon after their
return from College could be a motivating factor.
Training all regular teachers and parents of children with disabilities on how to identify
and assess children with learning difficulties using simple assessment techniques could also go
a long way in relieving the burden off the teachers. In that way the country would eventually
have some statistics of children with learning difficulties in all the schools. If parents are
equipped with assessing skills they could play a key role in providing inclusive but home based
models. Parents of children with learning disabilities could give talks on disability during the
disability awareness days in the villages.
Increasing the intake of specialist teachers could ensure that we have more specialist
teachers in the schools. This would tremendously cut the long distances teachers walk.
Indirectly that would also cut the distances children with disabilities walk to access a specialist
teacher at the nearest resource centre classroom. Increased numbers of specialist teachers in
learning difficulties can only bring positive results in the community if they are given a
conducive environment to work in. This therefore calls for construction of more resource
classroom in all primary schools across the country.
A country-wide disability awareness campaign by the Department of Special Needs in

the Ministry of Education on the right of education for children with difficulties could help
change people’s attitudes towards disabled children. The campaign would certainly among
other things make parents realise the importance of sending their disabled children to school.
The initiative would eventually provoke demand for more resource classrooms across the
country by the parents.
Increased collaboration and networking between Government and Non-Governmental

organisations (NGOs) working in the Special Needs Education should be encouraged. Such
collaboration would compel the NGO to providing solutions to some of the problems facing the
specialist teachers. The NGO’s would for instance build a resource classroom or buy teaching
and learning material for a particular school.
39
AHEAD.”
4. GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is the nodal agency of the Central
Government that promotes services for the people with disabilities through its various schemes.
The primary object is to promote services for people with disabilities through government and
non government organizations, so that they are encouraged to become functionally independent
and productive members of the nation through opportunities of education, vocational training,
medical rehabilitation, and socio-economic rehabilitation.
4.1 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA SCHEMES

Emphasis is placed on coordination of services particularly those related to health,
nutrition, education, science and technology, employment, sports, cultural, art and craft and
welfare programs of various government and non-government organizations.
A. DISTRICT REHABILITATION CENTER (DRC) PROJECT
The District Rehabilitation Center scheme was launched in early 1985 to provide
comprehensive rehabilitation services to the rural disabled. The aims and objectives of the
DRCs include surveys of 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. At present, 11 DRCs function in 10 States in India.
B. REGIONAL REHABILITATION TRAINING CENTER (RRTC)
Four Regional Rehabilitation Centers have been functioning under the DRCs scheme at
Mumbai, Chennai, Cuttack and Lucknow since 1985 for the training of village level
functionaries, training of DRCs professionals, orientation and training of State Government
officials, research in service delivery and low cost aids, etc. 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.
40
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C. NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTER ON DISABILITY &
REHABILITATION (NICDR)
A National Information Center on Disability and Rehabilitation was set up in 1987 to

provide a database for comprehensive information on all facilities and welfare services for
disabled within the country. It also acts as a nodal agency for awareness creation,
preparation/collection and dissemination of materials/information on disability relief and
rehabilitation. Computerized data so far collected relates to institutions/professionals working
for the disabled, aids and appliances, scholarships, national awards and physical/financial
performance of DRCs/RRTCs. It publishes the Indian Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation.
The Media Cell is responsible for the publication of awareness-generation material/journals,
hold Seminars/Workshops, organisation of Film Festival/Exhibitions, production of films, etc.
D. NATIONAL HANDICAPPED FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATION
The Government has set up the National Handicapped Finance & Development
Corporation with an authorized share capital of Rs 400 crore to make the persons with
disabilities self reliant, economically productive and to bring them into the mainstream of
economic activity. The Corporation provides soft loan to set up cottage industries.
E. UNICEF ASSISTANCE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
The Master Plan Operation (MPO) 1991-95 was launched in 1991, with the help of
UNICEF, to prevent childhood disabilities in India. The Master Plan of Operation short-listed
the following components of programs as major areas of activities:
• Strengthening and integrating disability prevention and rehabilitation in existing

government services at the community level.
• Support for communications, including audio-visual and print media for advocacy,
information and training.
• Support to research and planning, especially to studies which promote interventions that
can be taken up by the community in rural areas and/or urban slums.
• Support for innovative projects at the community level, particularly those being run by
NGOs. Monitoring and evaluation of ongoing programs.
41
AHEAD.”
4.2 FACILITIES AND BENEFITS
The various privileges provided by the Central government to persons with disabilities
and their families are as follow,
A. INCOME TAX
• EXEMPTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY AND FAMILIES
There are special tax concessions in the Income Tax Act for disabled persons. “Section
80 U” allows an exception of Rupees 40,000 from the income of assesses with disability. To
avail of this concession a disability certificate issued by a physician working in a government
hospital has to be annexed with the tax assessment form. Section 80 DD allows deductions of
Rupees 50,000 to a parent or relative upon whom the disabled is dependent for maintenance,
which includes medical treatment of the disabled person. For a visually challenged person to
qualify for the above exemptions, he/she has to meet the following criteria:
BLINDNESS: Blindness shall be regarded as a permanent physical disability, if it is incurable

and falls in any of the categories specified below, namely:
BLINDNESS CATEGORIES
Categories Better eye (with correction) Worse eye(with correction)

1 6/60-4/60 or field of vision 110-20 3/60 to nil
2 3/60 to 1/60 or field of vision 100 FC at 1 foot to Nil
3 FC at 1 foot to nil or field of vision 100 FC at foot to nil or field of vision 100
4 Total loss of sight Total loss of sight
• EXEMPTIONS ON DONATIONS
Deductions are allowed to persons making donations to registered trusts and societies
doing work for the handicapped. Under Section 80G deduction from Income is allowed at 50
percent of the amount donated to the eligible institution. Amount on which deduction is claimed
under the section, however, cannot exceed 10 percent of the gross total income exemptions.
This is only in respect of certain specific projects for research, development etc. Deductions in
respect of donations may be claimed by all assesses, i.e., individuals, companies etc.
• EXEMPTIONS IN CUSTOM DUTY
42
AHEAD.”
Specified goods when imported by any institution for the blind or deaf are exempt.
 Braille printer or Braille embosser or Braille display designed for computer systems are
exempt from payment of duty. Closed Circuit Television System for use as low-vision
aid for visually disabled persons can be imported at a concessional rate of duty of 15 per
cent. Audio cassettes, if recorded with material from books, newspapers, or magazines
for the Blind are exempt from duty.
 Certain other special goods imported by a disabled or disabled person for his personal
use are exempt from duty.
• EXCEPTIONS IN EXCISE DUTY
The Central Government exempts all goods manufactured by an institution which:

 Is primarily engaged in the rehabilitation of physically or mentally handicapped
persons.
 Employs primarily, physically or mentally handicapped persons for its

manufacturing activity,
 Is receiving financial assistance from the Govt. of India, Ministry of Social
Welfare for such rehabilitation,
B. TRAVEL CONCESSIONS
• BUS
Concessions are provided for persons with physical impairments and visually handicaps.
Student concessions are provided to all children. Mostly each state has its own policy.
• RAIL
As per the Order of Ministry of Railway, Government of India, the following
concessions are available for the disabled:
1. Blind Person
PERCENTAGE OF RAIL CONCESSION FOR BLIND PERSON
First Season Ticket
Class Second Class Sleeper Class
Class First Class Second Class
% age of Concession 75 75 75 50 50
2. Orthopaedically Handicapped Person
43
AHEAD.”
The Orthopaedically Handicapped person traveling with an escort, on production of a
certificate from a Government doctor to the effect that the person concerned is orthopaedically
handicapped and cannot travel without the assistance of an escort, is eligible for getting
concession.
PERCENTAGE OF RAIL CONCESSION FOR ORTHOPAEDICALLY HANDICAPPED

Season Ticket
Class First Class Second Class Sleeper Class
First Class Second Class
3. Deaf & Dumb Person
A deaf and dumb person traveling alone (both afflictions together in the same person)
on production of a certificate from a government doctor is eligible for the concession.
PERCENTAGE OF RAIL CONCESSION FOR DEAF & DUMB PERSON

Season Ticket
4. Mentally Retarded Person
A mentally retarded person, accompanied by an escort, on production of a certificate in

the prescribed form, from a government
PERCENTAGE OF RAIL CONCESSION FOR MENTALLY RETARDED PERSON

Season Ticket
• AIR
1. Blind Person
The Indian Airlines Corporation allows 50% concessional fare to Blind persons or
single journey or single fare for round trip journey on all domestic flights. To avail this facility
44
AHEAD.”
(for blind persons) they have to product a certificate from a medical practitioner. Air
Hostess/Steward will look after the Blind Persons not accompanied by escorts in flight.
The Public Relation Officer or the Traffic Officer Incharge at the airport will render necessary
assistance to such infirm passengers at the airport of the departure and arrival. Escorts are to
pay full fare. This concession cannot be combined with any other concessional fare allowed by
the Indian Airlines.
Blind Passenger will have to make an application for grant of 50 percent concession and
such application must be accompanied by a certificate from a registered medical practitioner
testifying to the fact that the person is blind and has lost the vision of both eyes. Such certificate
must also carry the registered number of the registered medical practitioner of the state to which
he belongs. The 50 % concession admissible to blind people cannot be combined with any other
concessional fare allowed by IAC i.e. no other concession will be admissible to the blind
passenger.
While the Air Hostess or the Steward will look after the blind passengers not
accompanied by escorts in flights, the Public Relation Officer or the Traffic Officer-in-charge at
the airport will render necessary assistance to such infirm passengers at the airport of departure
and arrival Advance notice of the travel be sent by the station of embarkation.
2. Locomotor Disability
Locomotor Disabled persons (80% and above) are allowed following Concession in
Indian Airlines:
i. 50% of normal Economy Class INR Fare or Point to Point Fare, Full Inland Air Travel
Tax and Passenger Service Fee applicable.
ii. 50% of INR fare applicable to foreigners resident in India for travel on Domestic
Sectors.
C. EDUCATION
• NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH

DISABILITIES
45
AHEAD.”
To ensure that the students with disabilities who have fair access to higher and technical
education, 3% seats in educational institutions are reserved for them. Besides, the Ministry of
Social Justice & Empowerment supports 500 Scholarships for students for pursuing their
studies at Post School Level.
The object of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to disabled students for
pursuing higher and technical education. They will also be supported for acquiring special aids
and appliances for studies.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the scheme are as follows:
1. To encourage universities/colleges of education in the country to promote teacher
preparation programmers in the field of special education.
2. To provide equal educational opportunities to disabled persons in higher education
institutions.
3. To create awareness among the functionaries of higher education about the specific
educational needs of persons with disabilities.
4. To equip higher education institutions with the facilities to provide access to disabled
persons.
5. To provide appropriate financial assistance to disabled individuals to increase their
sustainability in higher education.
6. To explore suitable placement opportunities for educated disabled graduates in public as
well as private sector enterprises.
7. To monitor the implementation of all existing and future legislation and policies are
pertaining to higher education of persons with disabilities.
THIS SCHEME IS AIMED PARTICULARLY AT:
1. Providing assistance to universities/colleges of education to start teacher preparation

courses in special education at the B.Ed./M.Ed. level; and
2. Creating appropriate facilities for persons with special needs in higher education.
• PROVIDING ACCESS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
46
AHEAD.”
It has been felt that persons with disabilities need special arrangements in the
environment for their mobility and independent functioning. It is also a fact that many institutes
have architectural barriers that disabled persons find difficult for their day-to-day functioning.
The universities and colleges under this scheme are expected to address this problem
according to the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995, and ensure that all existing structures as
well as future construction projects in their campuses are made disabled friendly. The institutes
should create special facilities such as ramps, rails and special toilets, and make other necessary
changes to suit the special needs of differently-abled persons. For this purpose, the UGC will
make a one-time grant of up to Rs.5 lakh per university/college.
D. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
In the Constitution of India, entry 24 in list III of schedule VII deals with the "Welfare
of Labour, including conditions of work, provident funds, liability for workmen's
compensation, invalidity and old age pension and maternity benefits. Further, Article 41 of
Directive Principles of State Policy has particular relevance to Old Age Social Security."
• NATIONAL POLICY ON OLDER PERSONS
The Government of India announced a National Policy on Older Persons in January,

1999. This policy provides a broad framework for inter-sectoral collaboration and cooperation
both within the government as well as between government and non-governmental agencies. In
particular, the policy has identified a number of areas of intervention -- financial security,
healthcare and nutrition, shelter, education, welfare, protection of life and property etc. for the
well being of older persons in the country. Amongst others the policy also recognizes the role
of the NGO sector in providing user friendly affordable services to complement the endeavors
of the State in this direction.
While recognizing the need for promoting productive ageing, the policy also emphasizes
the importance of family in providing vital non formal social security for older persons. To
facilitate implementation of the policy, the participation of Panchayati Raj Institutions, State
Governments and different Departments of the Government of India is envisaged with
coordinating responsibility resting with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
• FAMILY PENSION
47
AHEAD.”
In cases where, no permanent absorption in public sector undertakings/autonomous

bodies, the terms of absorption permit grant of family pension under the CCS (Pension) Rules,
1972 or the corresponding rules applicable to Railway employees/members of All India
Services, the family pension being drawn by family pensioners will be updated in accordance
with these orders.
• PENSION
Special benefits in cases of death and disability in service-payment of disability
pension/family pension-recommendations of the Fifth Central Pay Commission. Undersigned is
directed to say that the Fifth Central Pay Commission inter alias recommended that for
determining the compensation payable for death or disability under different circumstances.
1. Normal pension and gratuity admissible under the-CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 plus
disability pension equal to 30% of basic pay, for 100% disability.
2. For lower percentage of disability, the monthly disability pension shall be

proportionately lower as at present, provided that where permanent disability is not less than
60% the total pension (i.e., pension or service gratuity admissible under the ordinary
pension rules plus disability pension shall not be less than 60% of basic pay subject to a
minimum of Rs. 2500/-
3. Disability pension, comprising a service element equal to the retiring pension and
gratuity to which the employee would have been entitled to on the basis of his pay on the
date of invaidation but counting service upto the date on which he would have retired in
normal course and disability element equal in amount to the pay last drawn subject to the
condition that the aggregate of the service and disability elements shall not exceed the pay
last drawn, for 100% disability.
4. For lower percentage of disability, the disability element shall be proportionately lower
as at present.
48
AHEAD.”
ASSISTANCE TO DISABLED PERSONS FOR PURCHASE / FITTING
OF AIDS / APPLIANCES
The main objective of the scheme is to assist needy physically handicapped persons in
procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured aids and appliances that
promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation. The scheme is implemented
through centers run by the companies registered under Companies Act, registered societies,
trusts or any other institutions recognized by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for
the purpose. A large number of governmental and non-governmental agencies are engaged for
the implementation of the scheme. Aids and appliances such as wheelchairs, crutches, calipers,
hearing aid, Braille slates, etc. are given to different categories of disabled persons.
Indian citizens possessing a certificate from a registered medical practitioner can benefit
under the scheme. Disabled persons in need of aids and appliances are given travel allowance
subject to a limit of Rs. 150/- for visit to implementing agencies' center. The board and lodging
expenses at the rate of Rs. 10 per day subject to Rs. 150/- per beneficiary are also admissible in
cases where the income of such persons is up to Rs. 1200/- per month. According to the
scheme, aids and appliances up to the value of Rs. 3600/- are distributed to the disabled persons
free of cost if the monthly income of the disabled is up to Rs. 1200/- and at 50 per cent of the
cost if it is between R. 1201/- and Rs. 2500/-
NATIONAL POLICY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all
individuals and implicitly mandates an inclusive society for all including persons with
disabilities. In the recent years, there have been vast and positive changes in the perception of
the society towards persons with disabilities. It has been realized that a majority of persons with
disabilities can lead a better quality of life if they have equal opportunities and effective access
to rehabilitation measures.
India is a signatory to the Declaration on the Full Participation and Equality of People
with Disabilities in the Asia Pacific Region. India is also a signatory to the Biwako Millennium
Framework for action towards an inclusive, barrier free and rights based society. India is
currently participating in the negotiations on the UN Convention on Protection and promotion
of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities.
4.3 NON GOVERNMET ORGANISATION (NOG’s) ROLE

49
AHEAD.”
Non-governmental organization (NGO) is a term that has become widely accepted for
referring to a legally constituted, non-governmental organization created by natural or legal
persons with no participation or representation of any government. In the cases in which NGOs
are funded totally or partially by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status
therefore it excludes government representatives from membership in the organization. Unlike
the term intergovernmental organization, "non-governmental organization" is a term in
generalized use but not a legal definition, in many jurisdictions these type of organizations are
defined as "civil society organizations" or alternative terms.
An Non government organization (NGO) is a non-profit secular organization dedicated
to socio-economic change in India, as in by fighting poverty, ignorance and apathy, offering
free health care and specialized and technical education for those who need it, in the belief that
education is a critical requisite for socio-economic change, regardless of race, class, culture or
religion.
Group dedicated towards educating / informing our Indian society on our differently
abled children (special children / adults with Behaviour Problems and Multiple Disabilities, like
Autism, Slow Learners, Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD, Mental Retardation, Down Syndrome,
Cerebral Palsy, Hearing, Speech and Visual Impairment, etc.)
The different departments at the Central level are in the process of developing their
work plans. Roles and responsibilities for implementing agencies and their partners, the roles of
NGOs, parents groups are also being drafted. Monitoring guidelines, success indicators etc are
also being reviewed.
The role of special schools, special educators and other support professionals are being
assessed within the changing scenario. NGO’s has formed various schemes for the for the
overall development of the disabled or the handicapped person. Some of them are as follows;
• Scholarship to Physically handicapped student, fresh and renewal – Scholarship to

physically handicapped student are being awarded to, with encouragement for proceeding to
higher classes and also to reduce the percentage of dropouts among the disabled children,
integration of disabled with normal students is also encouraging by admitting disabled
students to normal schools. There has been a good and satisfactory report on integration
with able children. Severely handicapped student get an opportunity to attend special
schools run by the Non Governmental Organisation
50
AHEAD.”
• State Award to Meritorious Handicapped Students- State Award to Meritorious
Handicapped Students from Junior College/HSLC passed student up to Post Graduate level
residing permanently in Meghalaya and studying in recognized Institution both general and
technical and securing minimum 40% marks in the last examination.
• GIA to voluntary organisations running the Welfare of Handicapped – GIA to Voluntary

Organisation running for the Welfare of handicapped is given to registered NGO’s running
for the Welfare of Disabled, like Special Education and to enhanced educational and
vocational opportunities at all levels for students with Disabilities
• Celebration of World Disabled Day- Celebration of World Disabled Day is being

observed every year on 3rd December, in collaboration with the NGO’s working for the
Welfare of Disabled and District Rehabilitation Centre, Shillong. Assistance to Physically
handicapped persons for Vocational Training/Self Employment – Vocational Training
aimed at making the physically handicapped persons to be self employed and self reliance,
physically handicapped persons are trained in the field of Carpentry Tailoring cum-
Embroidery etc, for a period of one year. During the training period, the trainees are
awarded a stipend of Rs.500/- P.M each The passed out trainees are awarded certificate and
Token Relief grant of Rs.5000/- each is being given in cash, so that the individual can
purchase tools and materials to enable them to be self employed.
• Implementation of Disability acts 1995- Financial Assistance for (a) Book Grant (b)
Uniform Grant and (c) Conveyance Allowance are given to student with disabilities whose
parents/family income is BPL. The disable student should secured marks of 40% and above
in the final examination and should maintain good conduct and discipline and attended 75%
of classes in the Academic Year, duly certified by the head of the institution.
• Rehabilitation Treatment of the Disabled –Financial Assistance for the Disabled person
who required corrective surgery / medical treatment, who are living below poverty line and
having no means of subsistence and recommendation should be obtained from the specialist
concerned.
51
AHEAD.”
A. ASSISTANCE TO VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS FOR
DISABLED
The scheme was started with a view to provide assistance to voluntary organizations
working in the field of handicapped welfare. It is a comprehensive scheme to cover different
areas of rehabilitation - physical, psychological, social and economic. Financial support is given
up to the extent of 90 per cent of the total project cost (up to 95 per cent for the rural areas), for
recurring items like staff salary, maintenance charges, contingencies and non-recurring items
like construction of the building, Rs. 5 lakh. Financial assistance is given for such projects as
vocational training centers, special schools, counseling centers, hostels, training centers for
personnel, placement services, etc.
B. ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIAL

SCHOOLS
The scheme envisages assistance to the NGOs up to the extent of 90 per cent for
establishment and upgradation of special schools in the four major disability areas - orthopedic,
hearing and speech, visual and mentally retarded. Priority under the scheme is given for setting
up of schools in districts where there is no special school at present. Both recurring and non-
recurring expenditure is supported.
C. GETTING ASSISTIVE DEVICES
For persons with disabilities and others who need wheelchairs, crutches or other
assistive devices to lead normal lives, the appropriate Governments have formulated assessment
and evaluation for appropriate assistive devices like manual wheelchair, walking aids (crutches,
walker, and sticks), hearing aids etc. customized to the needs of the PWD.
Several states have also passed notifications/orders providing for free assistive devices.
At the outset it is necessary to obtain information regarding scheme providing for free assistive
device or such devices at nominal cost and how to procure the assistive device.
52
AHEAD.”
4.4 NGO SUCCESS STORY
NATIONAL THERMAL POWER CORPORATION: OPENING ITS

DOORS TO PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITY
National Thermal Power Corporation (N.T.P.C.) has re-aligned its policies to
make its workplace more accessible and disabled-friendly. A massive recruitment drive has
resulted in the employment of more than a hundred persons with disability.
No one needs an introduction to the National Thermal Power Corporation (N.T.P.C.).

Since 1975, we have all been literally seeing by their light! Though N.T.P.C.’s main business is
developing thermal power, it is heartening to note that it has also been deeply committed to
empowering marginalised sections of society. N.T.P.C. has always had a large social heart, but
today we talk about its specific commitment to the cause of disabled persons.
In 2001, N.T.P.C. undertook a comprehensive review of its H.R. requirements to

identify jobs for persons with disabilities. As a result, it identified 10 categories of posts for
employment of persons with disability in Group A and B, 40 categories in Group C and 6
categories in Group D. The review was followed up with a recruitment drive in 2001-02, which
resulted in the employing of 173 persons with disability. The drive began with advertisements
in all major dailies of the country. In addition, individual projects released their advertisements
in local media. Besides the advertisements, detailed notifications of the vacancies were sent to
the Special Employment Exchanges, Vocational Rehabilitation Centres and National Institutes
of Disabilities.
53
AHEAD.”
As a result, N.T.P.C. received about 40,000 applications – a first in Indian corporate
history. N.T.P.C. has been holding interviews in its projects with due care to ensure that all
persons with disability carry back memories of having been treated equitably. So far, 82
persons with disability have been selected for Group C and D posts, while another 30 are
expected to join in the coming months.
N.T.P.C. is also looking at its physical environments to ensure access for its disabled
employees. Special ramps with railings have been constructed for improved access to buildings.
Toilets with proper signages are also being installed.
The C.P.W.D. guidelines for accessible buildings have been circulated to all N.T.P.C.
projects, and some units have already taken a lead in implementing the guidelines. At the
Corporate Centre in New Delhi, exclusive parking has been provided for persons with disability
with direct access from the parking lot to the building.
Recently the Corporate Centre has decided to purchase all its stationery such as files,
folders, envelopes and pads from agencies of disabled persons. Depending on the success of
this scheme, all N.T.P.C. projects are likely to follow suit.
N.T.P.C. has clearly been setting examples worth emulating by other public and private
sector companies. The company not only produces electricity for the nation; it also illuminates
the path for other corporate citizens.
54
AHEAD.”
4.5 FUTURE PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
The government on Thursday approved an ambitious plan to provide 100,000 jobs for
the people with disabilities with a proposed outlay of Rs.18 billion ($450 million). The CCEA
(Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) took a very important and socially sensitive
decision, which will generate 100,000 jobs per annum for persons with disability. However, the
scheme will be applicable only to people drawing a monthly salary of Rs.25, 000 or less
according to the minister. Listing out the conditions for the implementation of the scheme
covered under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full
Participation) Act, 1955 and the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral
Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999.
The government will provide directly employers' contribution for the schemes covered
under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and the
Employees State Insurance Act, 1948. This will be done for each of the concerned employee up
to a maximum period of three years. The Rs.18 billion proposed amount for the scheme will
come from the resources generated by the social justice and empowerment ministry. The CCEA
also decided to set up a high level committee to monitor the implementation of the scheme and
it will be co-chaired by the ministries of labour and employment and social justice and
empowerment.
The jobs that can be performed by people with disabilities (PWD’s) with equal
efficiency have to be identified. When we talk of human resource development we give
emphasis proper utilization of man power talent in human being. Therefore, when we are
relating it to vocational training of PWDs, it is of utmost importance to identify suitable
vocations.
Disabled people who have training potentialities and who have been oriented and
assessed for a suitable trade are often in a much better position to contribute to the economic
development of their country than the majority of the able bodied for whom no such evalution
service exist.
For the cost effective training, we should evolve a holistic approach towards vocational
training, keeping in mind the lacunae of the present existing system.
55
AHEAD.”
Identification of suitable vocations envisages the individual vocational assessment in

which professional need to obtain information regarding individual’s potential, aptitude, interest
and keeping in view the limitations of the differently disabled.
The disabled person of right caliber should be associated actively in various frames like
political, scientific, technological, administration, social service at present which are dominated
by the able bodied.
When it is talked about bringing the disabled to the mainstream and also while
formulating any plans for PWDs, Professional Identification of disabled population, is essential.
For this two things are immediately necessary;
a) Assessment of handicapped population of different categories in as many

different areas as possible.
b) Encouragement for registration in Special Employment Exchange.
Difficult of employment is by far the greatest obstacle to habilitation. The employment

is directly related to qualitative training and for effective training we need to identify the
suitable vocations and corresponding developing need based vocational training system.
Placement of the disabled in open employment must be based on the concept that once
the handicapped person is selected and matched the job properly he should not be considered
handicapped.
Intensive survey and jobs analysis should be ubndertaken with a view to develop an
occupation classification indicating the tye of job that could be efficient performed by various
categories of disabled person.
Multi- category training centres should be opened in all the cities. Methods of
occupation analysis should be utilized to determine those occupations suitable for the
handicapped.
56
AHEAD.”
In order to develop a need based vocational training system, there should be a forum
comprising of professional from government, NGOs, corporate sector and loan providers. This
forum should decide on job description and joy specifications for the PWDs. They will also be
responsible for making PWDs avail the job opportunities
5. CASE STUDY: A SUCCESSFUL HANDICAPED

PERSON.
Mr. Jay Prakash Tripathi, is an government employee, works as an Vocational
Instruction for radio and TV department in Vocational Rehabilitation Center, Mumbai.
Mr. Tripathi was bone in a small village called Purna Nagar in Amravati district in the
year 1961. His father is a doctor and his mother is a house wife. He is the youngster member of
the family. He is suffering from physical disability i.e. locomotor / mobility disability, his
percentage of disability is 85% and he owns wheel chair.
At the age of two he suffered from polio. Though he was born in an educated family
background, but due to the improper medical facilities and undeveloped medical technology e
go trapped in polio. He was handicapped total. Since proper treatment was taken later on by the
doctors his polio was reducing to a greater extend. Today he is suffering from locomotive
disability.
He completed his school in 1977 from his village- Puran Nagar, and carried on his
educational life further by doing his 12th form Amravati. When he was in Amravati he uses to
stay with his brother and sometimes he uses to do up-down from his hometown. From his
childhood he was not at all interested in do service he always wanted to do something of his
own and did not wanted to depend on others for his own living. He father owned a liquor shop,
he use to sit there and look after the shop in the absence of his father.
In the year 1979 when he was in his 12th he took bank loan and purchased the movable
theater. This theater business was very successful in the begging since it was quite new form of
entertainment for the villages, but due to the growing competition from the TV and VCR the
business neither gained any profit nor suffered from nay loss.
57
AHEAD.”
After his 12th his friends were not interested in studies but he further carried on and took
admission in IIT- Amravati in the 1982. Since he was interested in Electronics he opted for
Radio and TV as his subject of study. His intension was to build a huge electronic showroom
near his place.
During his training period he uses to get some small repair work from friends and
relative. In the year 1984 he opened his own electronic showroom where he uses to repair and
sell all the electronic in items in his showroom. His business was a huge success and which was
added on by his growing popularity in his field.
He was good in his studies and scored well always. Because of the devotion towards his
work and towards his studies he got selected in the “Advance Training Campaign” organized
by IIT- Amravati 1986 for “Electronic Production Advance Training”. This campaign
included all the top rankers form the last 10 years. Trapping the opportunity Mr. Jay Prakash
took admission for the six months course. Side by side he also carried on with his showroom
business.
During his training period his he and his friend applied for the post of Radio
Instructor. The main intention was just to have fun. He was not interested in doing job. For the
post of the Radio Instructor he received a call letter for the interview in 1987. After around
one year he received a selection letter and he was appointed as a Radio Instructor on 6th July
1988. He was appointed at Bhubaneswar office.
He was not willing to go, but to have an experience of the job person’s life he accepted
the job and went to Bhubaneswar in 1988. He stayed alone there for 13 years. He got married
in 1995. Since Bhubaneswar was very far away from his hometown, in the year 2001 he took
transfer form Bhubaneswar to Mumbai for the same post.
Being a handicapped individual he is and was never depended on others for his
necessities. He always got support especially from his family and from the social environment
he has been to. Sin from so many years he is working as a government employee. Though he
was not so interested in the job or the employment life but the corporation received from his
superiors, subordinates and from his peers he is happy with the job. Though he said that, if he
would have carried on with his showroom business he would have earned much better than that
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AHEAD.”
of his present income, but some time money matters are to be kept aside when it come to the
family.
6. SUGGESTION AND RECOMMENDATION

Despite continuous efforts being made by the vocational rehabilitation centres, NGO’s
and other government agencies, the progress in the technical education and the vocational
training of the disabled has not been satisfactory. One of the main reasons for the same is that it
is a complex process and therefore it needs to be tackled effectively at various levels by various
people involved in the system. The disabled only wants us to say to them “Let us help you
throw away your crutches and play on the beach"
1. Awareness program on mass level should be carried out.
2. Rehabilitation services should provide an opportunity to person with disablitiy to

function independently and optimally utilize his or her residual ability.
3. Rehabilitation process should enable the person with disability to be self confident and
live with respect and dignity.
4. It is necessary for every individual with disability to achieve economic independence

which is possible only if people with disability are given an opportunity to work and have
gainful employment.
5. No government programmed can ever be successful without support from the

community. Rehabilitation programmers have to become people’s programs with the
government giving support wherever necessary.
6. Advancement in science and technology should optically be utilized to improve quality

of life of disabled. Aids and appliances used by disabled must be made user friendly.
7. Innovational methods are required to be developed to take the service to the houses of
people with disability. Electronic media, computers and communications systems should be
gainfully utilized for training and rehabilitation of the disability.
8. There is a need for coordination among the rehabilitation service and facilities offered
by various agencies so as to avoid duplication and make a holistic effort. It is therefore
necessary that linkages be established among health, education, social welfare, labour and
employment and all other departments engaged in socio economic activities.
59
AHEAD.”
9. People with disability and their families have been reported to have greater social and
economic burden. Leisure and recreation activities have been found to alleviate the
suffering and zeal in life.
CONCLUSION
The success of vocational training and the vocational rehabilitation centres is in

employability of the disabled individual and it depends upon certain factors. Important one
among them is the need based training. There is a need to impart training in areas where there is
demand in the market. Otherwise, it is waste of money, the efforts will be futile and it will
further increase the frustration of disabled individuals. This warrants a survey of town and
villages to identify the specific need of the area.
Another important factor is the quality of training. With the globalization of economy
being accepted world over, the quality of the product cannot be sacrificed if the market value
has to be retained. It is well known that quality of the product also depends upon the quality of
the manpower being it. In this competitive world, substandard or low quality product cannot be
sold in the market just because the disabled individual makes it. Hence, training institution
should take utmost care to produce high quality trainees who may demonstrate superior
workmanship, if not equal compared to his normal counterpart. Them only the purpose of
training can be successful.
60
AHEAD.”
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. INTERNET
• rehabilitationprogram.blogspot.com
• vrcbbnr@hub.nic.in
• disabilityindia.org/govtrehab.cfm
• law.jrank.org
• www.google.com
2. BOOKS
• SERVICE FOR HANDICAPED IN INDIA
• PERSPECTIVES IN DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
• VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR DISABLED
3. SPECIAL GUIDANCE
• MR. S.Z. H. ZAIDY - Deputy Director (Rehabilitation)
• STAFF OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRE- MUMBAI
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“VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION-THE CHALLENGE AND ROAD

THE CHALLENGE AND ROAD AHEAD.”

SNEHA SHESHRAO BHONGADE

BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

V.E.S. COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE,

THE CHALLENGE AND ROAD AHEAD.”

SNEHA SHESHRAO BHONGADE

BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

THE CHALLENGE AND ROAD AHEAD.”

SNEHA SHESHRAO BHONGADE

BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

V.E.S. COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE,

I SNEHA SHESHRAO BHONGADE student of BMS – Semester V (2009-10)

The information submitted is true & original to the best of my knowledge.

This is to certify that Ms. SNEHA SHESHRAO BHONGADE of

“VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION: CHALLENGE AND ROAD AHEAD”

under the guidance of Prof. V. S. GOPAL.

Project Guide Principal

I would especially like to thank Mr. S. Z. H. ZAIDY - Deputy Director

“Disabled persons are handicapped not because of their disability, but

PRACTICAL STUDY / SURVEY:

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY………………………………… 1-7

1.3. IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION……………………………………... 3

1.4. DIFFERENT KINDS OF REHABILITATION……………………………….. 4

1.5. TYPER OF REHABILITATION………………………………………………. 5

2. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VR)………………………….. 8-15

2.2. WHAT IS DONE IN VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION? ......…………… 8

2.3. CONCEPT OF DISABILITY………………………………………………….. 9

2.4. TYPES OF DISABILITY AND DESCRIPTION OF DISABILITY………… 10

3. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRE (VRC)

3.4. CHALLENGE AND PROBLEMS FACED……………………………………. 25

4. GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT……………………………… 30-46

5. CASE STUDY: A SUCCESSFUL HANDICAPED PERSON……… 47-48

6. SUGGESTION AND RECOMMENDATION……………………..... 49

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Rehabilitation is defined as a combination of methods that are focused in restoring the

Rehabilitation is a beautiful word. It is a generic term, with no medical, social or abuse-

It is a process uses an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals to help a person

Sometimes rehabilitation is said to embrace a 'medical model.' When people are

Rehabilitation from injuries requires constant care by providing exercise therapies to

1.5 TYPES OF REHABILITATION

E. AQUATIC REHABILITATION SERVICES

F. LOW VISION AND SPEECH REHABILITATION

2. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VR)

2.1 WHAT IS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION?

Vocational rehabilitation is gaining more and more attention by mental health

2.2 WHAT DO THEY DO?

The Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) is a free-standing rehabilitation center that

The type of help provided by Vocational Rehabilitation Services varies depending on

Census of India 2001 document mentioned "Defining and measuring disability is a

Similarly persons whose speech is not understood by a listener of normal

2.4.1 DISABILITIES BY SEX

CLASSIFICATION OF DISABILITIES BY SEX

DISABILITY AND LITERACY

LITERACY RATE AMONG DIFFERENT CATEGORIES

CLASSIFICATION OF DISABILITIES BY RESIDENCE

Seeing 10634881 (100.00) 7873383 (74.03) 2761498 (25.97)

Speech 1640868 (100.00) 1243854 (75.80) 397014 (24.20)

Hearing 1261722 (100.00) 1022816 (81.07) 238906 (18.93)

Movement 6105477 (100.00) 34654552 (76.24) 1450925 (23.76)

Mental 2263821 (100.00) 1593777 (70.40) 670044 (29.60)

A. VISUAL / EYESIGHT DISABILITY

CAUSES OF HEARING AND SPEECH DISABILITIES – 2002