ii. Persons with disabilities 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 Department for the Welfare of the
Differently Abled (DWDAP), 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 DWDAP 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
DWDAP 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, DWDAP conducted a
pilot project in a few blocks of the state and has identified a need for multi-sectoral,
whole-government, and capacity building approach to care and rehabilitation of the
differently abled.
iv. The RIGHTS Project focuses on three pillars: first, promote inclusion of all by ensuring
that persons with disabilities participate equally with others in any activity and service
intended for the general public, such as education, health, employment, and social
services; second, improve the access of specialized programs by investing in specific
measures for quality care, rehabilitation and support services; and third, provide
opportunities for persons with disabilities for completion of education, skills training and
market-linked employment opportunities. However, to manage the project at the
