Persons with Disabilities of Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families: Case Studies from the field

Abstract

Background: Development can be inclusive and reduce poverty- only if all groups of people contribute to creating opportunities, share the benefits of the developmental processes and participate effectively in decision- making at all levels of governance. There is significant scope to build an enabling environment that can ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in national development processes. Objectives: The main objective was to explore the changing status of Persons with disabilities, their problems and difficulties in the delivery of services in Bakliya village, Ladnun Block of Rajasthan. Sample: The study is purely qualitative in nature. Three different types of case studies have been selected which reflect different causes for disabilities, types and number of differently abled in family and benefits of financial assistance. Six in-depth interviews were also conducted. Design: It is explorative in nature and purposive sampling was used for this study. Tool: Guideline for case studies, Focused Group Discussion and interview schedule was used. Results: It was found that welfare schemes were helpful for the persons with disabilities to improve their livelihood, education, health care, respect and starting of new business. Recreational facilities and special services were not provided in the school to manage these children. Panchayat did not take any interest for their development except providing financial assistance. Indira Awaas Yojna and toilet facility helped these children and their mother for living in a safe and secure manner without any fear. Conclusion: Panchayat needs to be proactive to develop community based services for these children of special needs. Government officials of panchayat samiti may intervene to conduct research studies regarding their types of problems and provide support services to their families with proper planning and management. Early detection and identification of such cases needs to be done in priority basis. Keywords: Person with Disabilities, Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, Case Studies