Article summary
Abstract
Children with disabilities represent a vulnerable population facing numerous
obstacles in accessing fundamental services like education and healthcare.
Governments worldwide, particularly India, have developed extensive welfare
programs to support the comprehensive development and social integration of these
children. This paper examines various governmental initiatives supporting children
with disabilities, evaluating their goals, operational frameworks, outcomes, and
existing challenges. The discussion covers major programs such as the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities Act 2016, Accessible India Campaign, National Trust initiatives,
inclusive education frameworks, early intervention strategies, and financial support
mechanisms. The analysis reveals how these interconnected approaches tackle
educational barriers, healthcare requirements, financial limitations, and social
participation challenges. While considerable advancement has occurred in policy
development and execution, shortcomings persist in public awareness, physical
accessibility, and ground-level service delivery. The paper proposes strengthening
current programs through better departmental coordination, community engagement,
technological adoption, and oversight systems to guarantee that every disabled child
can exercise their fundamental rights and realize their complete capabilities.
Keywords
Disabilitychildren with special needsinclusive educationrehabilitationgovernment schemessocial welfareaccessibilityempowerment.
Record provenance
Publication history
Received20 Mar 2026
Accepted12 Apr 2026
Published10 May 2026
DOI assigned30 Nov -0001
Record versionVersion of Record
Editorial record
Publisher's Note
The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author(s). Publication does not imply endorsement by the journal, editorial board or publisher. Responsibility for accuracy, originality and integrity remains with the author(s). Readers should independently evaluate and verify information before application or citation.
Open-access terms
License & Copyright
Source record
References
Showing first 1 of 1 references.
- 1. Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNIHH). (2017). Annual
Report 2016-17. Mumbai: AYJNIHH.
2. Alur, M. (2002). Invisible children: A study of policy exclusion. Educational Studies, 28(4), 409
430.
3. Barua, A., & Das, B. (2013). Disability and rights-based legislation in India: Achievements and
challenges. Indian Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 24(1), 3-8.
4. Beukelman, D. R., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting
children and adults with complex communication needs (4th ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes
Publishing.
5. Constitution of India. (1950). The Constitution of India. New Delhi: Government of India.
6. Das, A. K., Kuyini, A. B., & Desai, I. P. (2013). Inclusive education in India: Are the teachers
prepared? International Journal of Special Education, 28(1), 27-36.
7. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. (2014). ADIP Scheme Guidelines. New
Delhi: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
8. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. (2015). Accessible India Campaign:
Implementation Framework. New Delhi: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
9. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. (2016). The Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Act, 2016: A Commentary. New Delhi: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
10. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. (2019). Scholarship Schemes for
Students with Disabilities: Operational Guidelines. New Delhi: Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment.
11. Department of School Education and Literacy. (2019). Samagra Shiksha: An Integrated Scheme
for School Education. New Delhi: Ministry of Education.
12. Disability Affairs Department. (2016). National Institutes and Regional Centers: Service Delivery
Model. New Delhi: Government of India.
13. Disability Affairs Department. (2017). District Disability Rehabilitation Centers: Operational
Manual. New Delhi: Government of India.
14. Ghai, A. (2002). Disabled women: An excluded agenda of Indian feminism. Hypatia, 17(3), 49-66.
15. Ghai, A. (2018). Rethinking disability in India. New Delhi: Routledge India.
16. Ghosh, N. (2016). Mainstreaming persons with disabilities under Accessible India Campaign.
Social Change, 46(1), 131-148.
17. Government of India. (2016). The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Act No. 49 of
2016). New Delhi: Ministry of Law and Justice.
18. Government of India. (2017). Top Class Education Scheme: Guidelines. New Delhi: Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment.
19. Grover, N., Wish, J. B., & Braveman, B. (2002). Prevention of disability in India: Scope and
challenges. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 27(3), 95-98.
20. Gulati, S., & Parab, S. (2013). Cerebral palsy in India: Incidence, prevalence and rehabilitation.
Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 55(4), 297-298.
21. Jain, S. (2015). Assistive technology for persons with disabilities: Policy perspectives. Disability
Studies Quarterly, 35(4).
22. Kumar, S. (2014). Role of national institutes in disability rehabilitation: Indian experience.
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 37(2), 110-115.
23. Kumar, S., & Singh, A. (2016). Impact of ADIP scheme on quality of life of persons with disabilities.
Indian Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 27(2), 45-52.
24. Mace, R. L., Hardie, G. J., & Place, J. P. (1991). Accessible environments: Toward universal design.
Raleigh, NC: Center for Universal Design.
25. Malhotra, S., Khan, W., & Bhatia, M. S. (2012). Quality of life of parents having children with
developmental disabilities. Delhi Psychiatry Journal, 15(1), 171-176.