India 2018

546 India 2018
National Institutes
In order to effectively deal with the multi-dimensional problem of the disabled
population, the following National Institutes/apex level Institutes have been
set-up in each major area of disability; (i) National Institute for the Visually
Handicapped, Dehradun, (ii) National Institute for Orthopedically
Handicapped, Kolkata, (iii) Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing
Handicapped, Mumbai, (iv) National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped,
Secunderabad, (v) National Institute of Rehabilitaion Training and Research,
Cuttack, (vi), Institute for the Physically Handicapped, New Delhi, (vii) National
Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities, Chennai. These
institutes are mainly responsible for conducting innovative researches, organise
training programmes for manpower development and deliver services in the
country. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India: The Artificial
Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Kanpur is a public sector
body, engaged in manufacturing of aids and appliances for persons with
disabilities. The products manufactured by the Corporation conform to ISI
standards approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Marketing of products
is done through Regional Marketing Centres at Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai,
Bhubaneshwar and Delhi and also through National Institutes, voluntary
organisations.
Five Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) for the Persons with Disabilities
are located at Srinagar, Lucknow, Bhopal, Sundernagar and Guwahati. These
centres conduct training programmes to prepare professionals in the field of
rehabilitation as well as provide rehabilitation services to the disabled. Four
Regional Rehabilitation Centres for Spinal Injuries and other Orthopaedic
Disabilities at Mohali, Cuttack, Jabalpur and Bareilly are providing services for
basic management and follow-up of the spinally injured so as to make the
affected persons functionally independent.
Economic Development
The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC)
is an apex-level financial institution for extending credit facilities to persons
with disabilities for their economic development. Funds assistance is disbursed
through the channelising agencies authorized by the state governments/UT
administrations and non-governmental organisations. It also extends loans for
pursuing education at graduate and higher levels. Besides, it assists in the
upgradation of technical and entrepreneurial skills to enable beneficiaries to
manage their production units efficiently.
O. W.: http://www.nhfdc.nic.in
Under the scheme for Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting
of AIDs and Appliances assistance is given for procuring durable, sophisticated
and scientifically manufactured, standard aids and appliances that can promote