Schemes & Services
Disability Certificates
A Disability Certificate is not merely a document. It is an official recognition of a person’s disability and a vital tool for accessing various benefits, facilities, and rights provided by the Central and State Governments under relevant laws.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has outlined procedures for assessment, issuance, and the standard format of the Disability Certificate, to be followed by Medical Boards at District Civil Hospitals.
However, due to the challenges and procedural difficulties faced by individuals across the country in obtaining the certificate, the Ministry is currently reviewing the process. It has invited comments and suggestions from concerned agencies and users to improve the system.
Conditions for obtaining Disability Certificate
Process of Certifications
Permanent / Temporary Certificate
Procedure for obtaining Disability Card
Advantages granted to the Owner of Disability Card
Conditions for Obtaining a Disability Certificate
To be eligible for a Disability Certificate, a person with a disability must fulfill the following conditions:
Must be an Indian citizen.
Must possess medical documentation clearly explaining the type and nature of the disability.
Must meet the minimum threshold of disability as defined by applicable guidelines.
Procedure for Applying for a Disability Certificate
A parent of a person with a disability, or the person themselves, must approach the District Hospital with a formal request for the certificate. The following documents are required:
A copy of the individual's ID proof and two recent photographs showing the affected part (where applicable).
Copies of all available medical and psychological reports.
Upon submission, the Medical Board refers the case to the appropriate sub-committee based on the type of disability. Each sub-committee comprises specialists equipped to assess specific disabilities. Following a thorough review and assessment, the Medical Board issues the Disability Certificate. The certificate is then verified and signed by the Head of the Medical Board and must be collected from the District Hospital.
State Governments and Union Territory Administrations have the authority to constitute these Medical Boards.
In the event of any dispute or confusion regarding definitions, classifications, or evaluation criteria, the final authority lies with the Director General of Health Services, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Process of
Certification
1. Mental Retardation
A Disability Certificate for mental retardation shall be issued by a Medical Board comprising three members, duly constituted by the Central or State Government. At least one member must be a specialist in the field of mental retardation, such as a Psychiatrist, Paediatrician, or Clinical Psychologist.
The examination will include three key components:
- Clinical assessment
- Evaluation of adaptive behaviour
- Assessment of intellectual functioning
2. Visual Disability
For visual impairment, the Disability Certificate shall be issued by a Medical Board consisting of at least three members, duly appointed by the Central or State Government. At least one member must be a specialist in ophthalmology.
3. Speech and Hearing Disability
A Disability Certificate for speech and hearing impairment shall be issued by a Medical Board constituted by the Central or State Government. The Board must include at least one member who is a specialist in ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat).
4. Locomotor Disability
For locomotor disabilities, the certificate shall be issued by a three-member Medical Board constituted by the Central or State Government. At least one member must be a specialist in either Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or Orthopaedics.
5. Multiple Disabilities
In cases of multiple disabilities, the procedure remains the same as for individual disabilities. The final Disability Certificate will be issued by the Medical Board that has assessed the condition with the higher disability score. The overall score is calculated using the combining formula:
Total Disability = a + b(90–a)/90,
where a is the higher score and b is the lower score.
If both disabilities have equal scores, the certificate will be issued by either Board, as decided by the local authority.
Permanent or Temporary Certificate
For individuals with a temporary disability, the Disability Certificate will be valid for a period of five years.
For those with a permanent disability, the certificate may be marked as "Permanent".
If a permanent certificate is not issued, the Medical Board must clearly indicate:
Whether the condition is progressive, non-progressive, likely to improve, or not likely to improve
Whether reassessment is recommended or not required, and if recommended, specify the timeframe for reassessment
Procedure for Obtaining Disability Card
The parent of a person with disability, or the individual themselves, must visit the District Hospital and submit the following documents:
Copy of the Disability Certificate
Two (2) recent passport-size photographs
Copy of valid ID proof of the person with disability
Copy of residence proof
Upon submission and verification of the documents, the Disability Card should be issued immediately by the District Hospital or Disabled Welfare Department, once it has been duly signed by the authorized signatory.
Advantages Granted to the
Owner of Disability Card
Once issued, the Disability Certificate should be considered valid for all practical and theoretical purposes where the individual's disability status is material. The specific schemes and services available to persons with disabilities may vary by state. While some services are common across states, there is a need to standardize these benefits for all individuals. Below are some of the advantages granted to Disability Cardholders:
Assistance for prosthetic aids and appliances
Scholarships for disabled students
Free travel on state transport buses (including the issuance of a free bus pass)
Provision of loans for self-employment
Financial assistance for higher education
Incentives for marriages between disabled and non-disabled individuals
Fuel subsidy for disabled persons owning motorized vehicles
Unemployment allowance for educated disabled persons
Financial assistance for totally disabled persons
Scholarships for disabled students
Incentive for eye donors
Reimbursement of maintenance costs for tricycles
Supply of sarees and dhoties to disabled persons
State awards for welfare of the handicapped
Provision of prosthetic appliances
Supply of cooling glasses, Braille watches, and walking sticks
Annual tours for disabled persons
International Day for the Disabled
Group insurance for disabled government employees
Group insurance for disabled individuals (non-government employees)
Financial assistance towards funeral expenses for the disabled
Supply of motorized tricycles for persons with disabilities
Provision of musical and sports equipment for welfare associations