Dear friends
In our community we have many people with difficulties in physical, sensory and intellectual functions which add special challenges in their life.
It is true that persons with disabilities can achieve anything in life if they get encouragement and support from families, community and the government.
Lack of accurate data base about children with disability is the major problem for panchyaths and community to plan community based rehabilitation services, inclusive education, early intervention, medical support. At present only sample survey data, estimates are available.Panchayath raj institutions at village level are facing difficult to plan and allocate resources based on the estimates and sample survey at gram panchyath level.
The reasons for this lack of basic data is multidimensional. Some of the reasons are listed below:
1. Lack of clarity on concept of disability and barrier free /accessible environment
2. Lack of simple registration system available at gram panchayth level
3. Lack of information about disability, rehabilitation needs, eligibility to get social security etc
Disability is a state subject and a Panchyath raj subject.Therefore it is the responsibility of PRIs to plan and mange rehabilitation services and initiative for inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream development programmes.It is also necessary for PRIs to reach out to most marginalized and vulnerable groups within disability such as young children,women and older persons with disabilities.
Panchyaths can allocate 3% of poverty alleviation funds for rehabilitation services 3% reservation as beneficiaries in all poverty alleviation programmes if there is a direction from RDPR department to Panchayath raj local bodies.
Now the question is whether PRIs are aware of their responbility?If yes what action have taken to improve the quality of life of persons with disbailities?What are the challenges in developing inclusive communities?How this is being addressed?What kind of support PRIs need from NGOs and DPOs?
Where are the resources?What is the role of state and central governments?
We have created this discussion group to undertsand and analyse the grassroot level problems,challenges and solutions in India.We are aware with CBR NETWORK's experience since four decades the awareness on the role of PRIs in addressing disability issues is still in a very very primary stage as many are not even aware that Disability is a PRI subject.
India has signed and ratified UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.It is only through active PRIs participation the UNCRPD commitments can be translated into action as more than 80% of persons with disbailities live in rural areas in India.
We look for your ideas and experiences... Please suggest on the steps that needs to be taken by PRIs for effective mainstream inclusion of persons with disabilities.Please also suggest how this could be done in rural areas given the challenges of lack of support services such as CBR,Early intervention,education,employment opportunities.
We look forward to hearing from you...
Regards
Dr Indumathi Rao
Regional Advisor
CBR NETWORK(South Asia)
Bangalore
