Question : CHILDHOOD DISABILITIES

the steps taken by the Government for early detection of hildhood disabilities?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

The early detection of disabilities has been covered in the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, which states that Rehabilitation Measures under Physical Rehabilitation includes early detection. Early detection of disabilities and intervention through drug and non-drug therapies helps in minimization of impact of disability. Therefore, there is emphasis on early detection and early intervention, and necessary facilities have been created towards this end. The Government with active support of State Governments has set up 199 District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRC) which among other rehabilitation functions also provide services for prevention and early detection of childhood disabilities.

Under Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), the Government is supporting various Non- governmental organisations by way of giving grants-in-aid for roviding a wide range of services to children/ persons with disabilities which, inter alia, also include programmes for pre-school and early intervention for children.