The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Early identification not a problem, early intervention is

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 01, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Early identification not a problem, early intervention is

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, MARCH 31. Identifying disability early is not a problem in Tamil Nadu, but early intervention is, because of a lack of trained special educators.

"Unless a Statewide intervention programme is put in place soon, early detection by anganwadi workers will not be of any use," said P. Gnanadurai Michael, a Tiruchi-based disability consultant, addressing government officials at a workshop on disability.

Tamil Nadu has a disabled population of about 21 lakhs. To reach them, the Government needs to establish a broad-based programme and put in place a dynamic state policy and a state plan of action with targets at the district-level, said Mr. Michael.

So far, Tamil Nadu has pioneered the implementation of several programmes for disabled people such as the introduction of ID cards, said E. Shanmugasundaram, Joint Director, Office of the Special Commissioner for the Disabled.

To avail of government assistance, a disabled person must first register with the District Disabled Rehabilitation Officer and get a medical certificate stating that he or she has disability of 40 per cent or more. Once registered, disabled people can avail of a range of facilities and concessions, including free aids and appliances and vocational training.

I. Arivanandham, Research Officer, National Institute for the Visually Handicapped's Regional Centre, outlined the features of the three laws for disabled people: the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992, Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 and the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Sclerosis, 1999.

The day-long workshop was organised by the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) at Poonamallee. Most participants were unaware of the extent of Government provisions for disabled people.

A survey two years ago revealed very little awareness of Government concessions for disabled people, said A.K. Mittal, Regional Director, NIVH. By sensitising Government officials who are a focal point for the public, they would be able to improve overall awareness and delivery of services for the disabled, he said.

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