The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of persons with Disabilities, recently held a Regional Conference in Mumbai. The meeting was focused on the “Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)”. It marked the second in a series of such conferences that are planned to be held throughout the country. Attending the conference were Programme Implementing Agencies (PIAs) from western regions including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Goa.
The Aim of the DDRS Conference
The DDRS conference was primarily organised to disseminate the provisions of the revised scheme which came into effect in 2018. It was also aimed at bringing the Department closer to implementing agencies. Regular interaction and dialogue between these two key entities ensure smoother implementation and operation of the scheme.
What is the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme?
The Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India. Implemented since 1999, it provides financial assistance to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working towards the education and rehabilitation of people living with disabilities.
Objectives of the DDRS
The DDRS has been established with clear objectives. It aims to create a conducive environment to ensure equal opportunities, equity, social justice, and empowerment for people with disabilities. The scheme encourages voluntary action for ensuring the effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
Support to NGOs under DDRS
Non-Governmental Organisations receive support under the DDRS to provide a wide range of services to children/persons with disabilities. Among these services include programmes for pre-school and early intervention special education, vocational training and placement, community-based rehabilitation, manpower development, psycho-social rehabilitation of people with mental illness, and rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons.
| Services | Programmes |
|---|---|
| Pre-school and Early Intervention Special Education | Designed to address the developmental needs of children with disabilities at the earliest possible stage |
| Vocational Training and Placement | Provides vocational skills and job placement for disabled individuals |
| Community-based Rehabilitation | Focused on integrating people with disabilities into their communities |
| Manpower Development | Training for professionals in the field of disability management |
| Psycho-social Rehabilitation of Persons with Mental Illness | Treatments and supports to help individuals with mental illness participate fully in society |
| Rehabilitation of Leprosy-cured Persons | Services aimed at improving the quality of life of leprosy-cured individuals |
Evolution of the Scheme
The DDRS was previously known as the “Scheme to Promote Voluntary Action for Persons with Disabilities”. However, it was revised and renamed as the “Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)” in April 2003. The scheme continues to be a beacon of support and empowerment for persons with disabilities in India.
