ii. Differently Abled Persons face multiple socio economic constraints including
poorer health outcomes, lower education levels, limited economic participation,
and higher rates of poverty compared to persons without disabilities. They often
experience exclusion and barriers in accessing health services, education,
employment, transportation, information as well as care and rehabilitation
services. Furthermore, households with a disabled member are more likely to
experience material hardships– including food insecurity, poor housing, lack of
access to safe water and sanitation, and inadequate access to healthcare. Thus,
these limitations and barriers not only hinder their full and effective participation
in the society, but also affect the country’s productive potential, the human capital.
In order to increase the human capital and reduce the achievement gap among
people with disabilities, a coordinated and comprehensive package of
interventions appears warranted for addressing the individual and community
contexts at both, multiple and systemic levels.
iii. Tamil Nadu has always been a pioneer in the implementation of welfare schemes
for all sections of socially disadvantaged groups. The Directorate for Welfare of
the Differently Abled Persons (DWDA) through its various initiatives and
schemes have extended full support to the differently abled people in their pursuit
of full and equal involvement in every aspect of society. The DWDA is largely
responsible for all administrative, statutory and service delivery functions, which
is implemented through its well-experienced workforce at the state, district and
local levels. The thrust areas of the DWDA are prevention and early interventions,
special education, employment & vocational training, social security
(maintenance allowance, travel concession, assistance to NGOs), aids &
appliances, and barrier-free structure. Recently, DWDA conducted a pilot project
in a few blocks of the state and has identified a need for a multi-sectoral, whole-
government, and capacity-building approach to care and rehabilitation of the
differently abled.
