SCHEME OF ASSISTANCE TO DISABLED PERSONS FOR PURCHASE/FITTING OF AIDS/APPLIANCES (ADIP SCHEME) 

1.0 INTRODUCTION: 

Provision of suitable aids and assistive devices is one of the first steps in the process of rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). It has been the constant endeavour of the Government to provide PwDs with aids and assistive devices, which are essential for their overall rehabilitation and empowerment. As per Census, 2011 there are 2.68 crore PwDs in the country. In addition, a large number of children below 14 years of age suffer from delayed development. Many of them suffer from intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy and require aids/appliances to attain the capacity for self-care and independent living. With the application of modern technology, a number of aids have emerged which can reduce the effects of disabilities and enhance the overall potential of the PwDs. However, a large proportion of PwDs are from the low income group and are deprived of the benefits of these appliances because of their inability to garner funds to acquire these and consequently live a dignified life. 

1.01. In the light of the Government’s commitment for enabling and empowering PwDs, it has been decided to continue the scheme in a modified form by enhancing the quantum of assistance, cost, ceiling of aids and assistive devices and family income ceiling taking into consideration the cost escalation during the period these monetary limits have not been revised. In addition, the modified scheme in terms of coverage of beneficiaries and more users friendly. 

2.0 OBJECTIVE :

The objective of the Scheme is to provide durable, modern and scientifically manufactured aids and assistive devices to PwDs for promoting their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation, thereby reducing the effects of disabilities and enhancing their educational and economic potential. The aids and assistive devices supplied under the Scheme must have due certification. 

3.0 DEFINITIONS: 

Definitions of various types of disabilities as given in the “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016” and “National Trust Act, 1999.” 

4.0 SCOPE:

The Scheme will be implemented through the Implementing Agencies as listed in para 5.0. The Agencies will be given financial assistance for purchase, fabrication and distribution of such standard aids and appliances that are in conformity with the objectives of the Scheme. The Implementing Agencies will take care of/ make suitable arrangements for fitting and post-fitting care of aids and assistive devices distributed under the Scheme. They will give wide publicity of the distribution of such aids and appliances to PwDs. Further, before the distribution camp they will inform the District Collector, BDO, local public representatives, State Government and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) about the date and the location of the camp. After the camps, they shall upload the list of beneficiaries and details of aids and assistive devices on the Management Information System (MIS) of the scheme. The list of beneficiaries shall be prominently displayed on the website of Implementing Agencies as well. 

4.01 The Scheme shall also include essential surgical correction and intervention, prior to fitment of aids and appliances, as per the following norms: 

(i) Rs.1500/- for speech & hearing impaired. 

(ii) Rs.3,000/- for visually impaired. 

(iii) Rs.15,000/- for orthopedically impaired. 

5.0 ELIGIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES UNDER THE SCHEME: 

The following agencies are eligible to implement the Scheme on behalf of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, subject to fulfillment of following terms and conditions: i. Societies and their branches, if any, registered separately under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. ii. Registered Charitable Trusts. iii. Indian Red Cross Societies and other Autonomous Bodies headed by District Collector/Chief Executive Officer/District Development Officer. iv. National/Apex Institutes, CRCs, RCs, DDRCs, National Trust, ALIMCO, functioning under administrative control of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment/Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. v. National/State Handicapped Development Corporations. vi. Local Bodies – Zilla Parishad, Municipalities, District Autonomous Development Councils and Panchayats etc. vii. Hospitals registered as separate entities, as recommended by State/UT/Central Govt. viii. Nehru YuvaKendras. ix. Any other organization as deemed fit by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India. 

5.01 Grant-in-aid under the Scheme will not be given for commercial production or supply of aids/appliances. 

5.02: While approving new implementing agencies, preference would be given to those Agencies: 

(i) Which employ professional/technical expertise, in the form of professionally qualified staff (from RCI recognized courses) for identification, prescription of the required aids/appliances, fitment and post-fitment care of beneficiaries as well as aids/appliances. 

(ii) Possess infrastructure in the form of machinery/equipment for fabrication, fitment and maintenance of aids/appliance to be given to a person with disability under the ADIP Scheme and which have a capacity to produce aids and assistive devices with ISI standards/ISO certification.

 6.0 ELIGIBILITY OF THE BENEFICIARIES Conditions:

(i). An Indian citizen of any age.

(ii). Holding a 40% Disability Certificate (Benchmark disability). 

(iii). Having monthly income from all sources not exceeding Rs.30,000/- per month. 

(iv). In case of dependents, the income of parents/guardians not exceeding Rs. 30,000/- per month. 

(v). Not having received assistance during the last 3 years for the same purpose from any source. However, for children below 12 years of age, the minimum time of assistance is one year. 

Note: 

(a): Income certificate from Revenue Agencies / BPL Card / MGNREGA Card / Disability Pension Card / Certificate by M.P./MLA/Councilor/Gram Pradhan failing which Notarized Affidavit C/o Implementing Agencies may be accepted for providing aids/ appliances to PwDs. Income certificate of beneficiaries staying in orphanages and half- way homes etc. may be accepted on certification of District Collector or Head of the organization concerned. Such beneficiaries will be provided aids & appliances under this Scheme by ALIMCO only. 

(b). As per provision of the RPwD Act, Disability Certificate will be issued by the prescribed Medical Authority. 

(b) (i) Responsibility for issue of a Joint disability Certificate for availing the benefits under the ADIP-SSA will be that of a (a) Headmaster or Principal of the School 

(b) Government Doctor of Government Primary Health Centres (PHCs) or Community Health Centres (CHCs) (c) Local SSA Authority and (d) representatives of ALIMCO. 

(b) (ii) In case of less than 40% disability, CWSN can be issued aids and assistive devices based on the joint certification at sub para (b)(i) above. 

(b) (iii). Temporary Disability Certificate issued by the Competent Medical Authority for children up to the age of 6 years or Developmental Delay Certificate issued by Competent Medical Authority for children up to the age of 6 years may be considered for distribution of TLM Kits under ADIP Scheme to persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities as approved by the Ministry. However, there is no dilution of the condition of minimum 40% disability as stipulated in the ADIP Scheme.

 7.0 QUANTUM OF ASSISTANCE:

(i) For aids /appliances costing upto Rs. 15,000/-. · Full financial assistance under the scheme.

(ii) For aids /appliances costing between Rs. 15,001/- to Rs. 30000/- · Financial assistance upto Rs 15000/- 

(iii) Further, all expensive items costing above Rs. 30,001/, except Cochlear Implant and Motorized Tricycle, eligible for assistance under the scheme, subject to income ceiling, would be listed out. Government of India shall bear 50% of cost of these items thus listed by the Committee and the remainder shall be contributed by either the State Govt. or the NGO or any other agency or by the beneficiary concerned subject to prior approval of Ministry on case to case basis; limited to 20% of the Budget under the Scheme. 

Note:

For providing modern assistive devices to all categories of PWDs, the items will be decided by Expert Committees constituted in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.