The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has recently released “Comprehensive Disability Inclusive Guidelines” to all States and Union territories. These guidelines aim to protect and safeguard Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) amidst the widespread COVID-19 pandemic.
Effects of Lockdown on Persons with Disabilities
The lockdown implemented due to the COVID-19 outbreak has seriously impacted persons with disabilities, who rely heavily on caregivers for their day-to-day requirements. Despite the government’s efforts to assist these individuals by introducing cash transfers through Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, the isolation measures still pose a significant challenge. It’s critical to note that persons with disabilities are granted equal protection and safety in the event of human emergencies and natural disasters under Section 8 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The COVID-19 situation, declared as a National Disaster by the Government of India, unquestionably qualifies as such an emergency.
National Disaster Management Guidelines and Their Role
In September 2019, the National Disaster Management Authority, an entity under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, presented the National Disaster Management Guidelines on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR). These guidelines serve as a cornerstone for managing disaster risks, particularly those affecting individuals with disabilities.
Key Aspects of the Comprehensive Disability Inclusive Guidelines
These new guidelines stress several critical points to enforce a disability-inclusive approach in managing the current crisis.
Training
Emergency response personnel handling the situation must receive comprehensive training about the rights of persons with disabilities and understand the risks related to specific impairments.
Ensuring Essentials for Persons with Disabilities
All States and Union territories should ensure that support services, including healthcare, supplies, and caregiver assistance, are delivered to the doorsteps of persons with disabilities. Caregivers should be exempted from lockdown restrictions or given priority passes to ensure their timely and uninterrupted assistance.
Helpline Number
Provision of round-the-clock helplines for persons with disabilities is required in every state to provide immediate relief and aid.
Information Accessibility
All awareness material related to COVID-19 must include subtitles and sign language interpretation, ensuring accessibility for those with auditory impairments.
Solving Disability Specific Issues
The state commissioner for Persons with Disabilities should be appointed as the nodal officer to swiftly address and resolve any disability-specific issues during this crisis period.