Types of Disabilities Recognized (21 Categories) - 3 | 5. Objectives of the RPWD Act, 2016 | Disability, Accessibility and Universal Design
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3 - Types of Disabilities Recognized (21 Categories)

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Introduction to Disabilities

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we'll learn about the types of disabilities recognized under the RPWD Act. Can anyone tell me how many disability categories were recognized in the previous Act?

Student 1
Student 1

There were seven categories defined in the earlier Act.

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! The new Act expanded this to twenty-one categories. This means that many more individuals can now be recognized and receive support. Can you think of why this change is important?

Student 2
Student 2

It allows for better support and accessibility for more people with different conditions.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! More categories mean more comprehensive planning. Now, let's explore each category in detail.

Categories of Disabilities

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s start with the first few categories. Who can tell me what blindness encompasses within this section?

Student 3
Student 3

Blindness refers to a severe visual impairment.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! It’s critical to understand these terms. Following blindness, we have low vision. Can anyone summarize what that means?

Student 4
Student 4

It refers to individuals who have visual impairment but can still see to some extent.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! Always remember the distinction between the two, which can affect how we design accessible environments. Let's go over the next few categories.

Importance for Inclusive Design

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Teacher
Teacher

Recognizing these disabilities is vital for inclusive design. Why do you think engineers and planners must consider these categories?

Student 1
Student 1

So they can create accessible buildings and services for everyone.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! For instance, features like ramps and tactile paths are commonly designed for those with physical disabilities like locomotor disabilities. Can someone give an example of another category?

Student 3
Student 3

Mental illness is another category that requires special considerations in design.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Including mental health considerations is crucial for creating supportive environments. Fantastic understanding!

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

The RPWD Act of 2016 expands the classification of disabilities from 7 to 21 categories, significantly impacting inclusion and accessibility.

Standard

The 2016 RPWD Act identifies 21 categories of disabilities, including physical, mental, sensory, and chronic conditions, providing essential recognition for inclusive planning and infrastructure development.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD), 2016 significantly broadens the scope of recognized disabilities, increasing the number of categories from the previous seven defined in the 1995 Act to twenty-one. This expansion acknowledges a wider array of conditions, allowing for a more inclusive approach to design and infrastructure development.

Key Categories of Disabilities Recognized:

  1. Blindness
  2. Low Vision
  3. Leprosy Cured Persons
  4. Hearing Impairment (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
  5. Locomotor Disability
  6. Dwarfism
  7. Intellectual Disability
  8. Mental Illness
  9. Autism Spectrum Disorder
  10. Cerebral Palsy
  11. Muscular Dystrophy
  12. Chronic Neurological Conditions
  13. Specific Learning Disabilities
  14. Multiple Sclerosis
  15. Speech and Language Disability
  16. Thalassemia
  17. Hemophilia
  18. Sickle Cell Disease
  19. Multiple Disabilities (more than one of the above)
  20. Acid Attack Victims
  21. Parkinson’s Disease

This larger framework is crucial for developing more comprehensive strategies in infrastructure and service delivery, ensuring that diverse needs are accommodated, ultimately fostering a society that is more inclusive and equitable.

Audio Book

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General Overview of Disabilities Recognized

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The 1995 Act recognized only 7 disabilities. The 2016 Act expanded this list to 21, including:

Detailed Explanation

This chunk introduces the number of disabilities recognized by the two Acts. The 1995 Act had a limited scope, acknowledging only seven types of disabilities. However, by 2016, the understanding and acknowledgment of disabilities had evolved, prompting the inclusion of a broader range of disabilities. This indicates progress in legislation to address the diverse needs of people with disabilities.

Examples & Analogies

Think of it like updating a school curriculum. Initially, only a few subjects were offered, but as understanding grows, schools add more subjects to provide a well-rounded education. Similarly, the law was updated to provide broader protection and recognition for various disabilities.

List of Disabilities

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  1. Blindness
  2. Low vision
  3. Leprosy cured persons
  4. Hearing impairment (deaf and hard of hearing)
  5. Locomotor disability
  6. Dwarfism
  7. Intellectual disability
  8. Mental illness
  9. Autism spectrum disorder
  10. Cerebral palsy
  11. Muscular dystrophy
  12. Chronic neurological conditions
  13. Specific learning disabilities
  14. Multiple sclerosis
  15. Speech and language disability
  16. Thalassemia
  17. Hemophilia
  18. Sickle cell disease
  19. Multiple disabilities (more than one of the above)
  20. Acid attack victims
  21. Parkinson’s disease

Detailed Explanation

This chunk provides a list of the 21 disabilities recognized under the RPWD 2016 Act. These disabilities cover a wide range of impairments, including sensory, physical, intellectual, neurological, and those resulting from health conditions. This comprehensive recognition is crucial as it reflects the varied experiences and support needs of individuals with disabilities.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a toolbox that used to contain only a hammer and screwdriver. Over time, more tools were added to help tackle diverse tasks. Similarly, the Act has expanded its coverage to ensure that every type of disability is acknowledged and that the appropriate support is provided to meet diverse needs.

Importance of Broad Recognition

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This broad recognition is vital for inclusive planning and infrastructure development.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk emphasizes the significance of acknowledging a wide array of disabilities for inclusive planning and infrastructure design. By recognizing 21 categories, the Act ensures that urban planning, public services, and facilities can be designed to be accessible to everyone, thus promoting social inclusion and equality.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a community park. If a park is designed with only one type of play equipment, it limits engagement. But if various equipment caters to all ages and abilities, everyone can enjoy and participate. Similarly, when infrastructure acknowledges different disabilities, it ensures that all community members can utilize public resources actively.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Expanded Categories: The RPWD Act now recognizes 21 types of disabilities instead of 7, highlighting diverse needs.

  • Inclusive Planning: Awareness and recognition of these disabilities are pivotal for implementing inclusive designs in public infrastructure.

  • Accessibility: It extends to various aspects, ensuring that people with disabilities can access education, employment, and public spaces.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • Blindness and low vision necessitate specific architectural features like braille labels and tactile surfaces.

  • Disabilities like autism spectrum disorder require consideration for sensory issues in environments.

Memory Aids

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🎵 Rhymes Time

  • There are twenty-one types, you see, disabilities set people free!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a city where everyone thrives; with wheelchair ramps and braille, everyone survives! This is the goal when acknowledging all lives.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • BLIND HILM with 21 sprawls, is how we help and hear their calls (Blindness, Low Vision, Hearing Impairment, Locomotor, Intellectual, Learning disabilities, Mental illness).

🎯 Super Acronyms

DIVERSITY—Disabilities In Various Experiences Require Support To Include You.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Disability

    Definition:

    An individual with long-term impairments that may hinder full participation in society.

  • Term: Benchmark Disability

    Definition:

    A disability with at least 40% severity, certified by an authority.

  • Term: Accessibiility

    Definition:

    The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities.