Status of persons with intellectual disabilities in India

In India community based programmes supported by practices of the prevailing religions and localized in the communities, based on the specific needs available expertise and productivity requirements. Out of all the types of disabilities, an intellectual disability poses greater challenges than the other type. Special legislations have been put in place to ensure empowerment of persons with disabilities. Human resource development programmes are standardized by Rehabilitation Council of India. The National Institute for the mentally handicapped has developed many service models. Non –Government Organizations have started special education and vocational training programmes. However considering the nature of the condition, it is essential to see what has been the value addition in the area of intellectual disabilities and what more needs to be done. This paper focuses particularly on the current status of persons with intellectual disability in various stages of their lives ranging from infancy to adulthood in India.