Children with Disabilities—The Invisible Child

Abstract

We must realise that a child with disabilities is not disabled, but is differently abled and hence should be given opportunities to express herself differently. The chapter introduces the concept of disability and traces how this concept has evolved from a charity model, to a bio-centric model, to a social model, to now a human rights model. The chapter gives various definitions of disability, along with the ICF model. It presents the constitutional provisions for Children with disabilities (CWD) in India. The extent of disability as per Census 2011 is discussed. Policies for CWD are presented. CWD and international declarations like UN Standard Rules on The Equalization of Opportunities for Persons With Disabilities (PWD) and The U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) are briefly discussed. The Persons with Disability act 1995 presents specifically the sections covering various concerns related to CWD. National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act (1999) and Rehabilitation Council of India Act (1992) find a place in the chapter. Governmental services and facilities for PWD are outlined. NGOs like Concerned Action Now (CAN), National Association for the Blind (NAB) and National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (N.C.P.E.D.P.) working for rehabilitation and advocacy of rights of PWD are briefly profiled.