Physical Disabilities in the Land of Karma Theory

Singh, D. K. (2000). Physical Disabilities in the Land of Karma Theory. 

·      One of the aims of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995 was to “promote setting up of special schools in government (public) and private sector for those in need of special education, in such a manner that children with disabilities living in any part of the country have access to such schools” (p. 5).  It was also supposed to “ensure that every child with a disability has access to free education in an appropriate environment till he attains the age of eighteen years.”

o   Another aim: “Prepare a comprehensive education scheme to restructure curriculum for the benefits of children with disabilities, remove architectural barriers from schools, colleges or other institutions imparting vocational and professional training, grant scholarships to students with disabilities and set up appropriate procedures for the redressal of grievances of parents regarding the placement of their children with disabilities” (p. 6).

·      Basically, IDEA mandates FAPE, covers more disabilities, mandates IEPS  and non-discrminitory testing.  It also funds the education of individuals with disabilities.  PDA only “permits” testing or the provision of services.  It also does not provide funds or IEPS.

·      Education is viewed as the responsibility of family.

·      As Gandhi (1998) ascertained, despite the fact that the Disabilities Act has come into force, rehabilitative services for the disabled remain woefully inadequate (p. 10).[BB1] 

·      5% of the disabled persons in the country have access to rehabilitative services, and people with disabilities rarely get formally educated or vocationally trained.

·      Two barriers to services for individuals with disabilities in India:

o   No money to support services.

o   The Karma theory.

§  Disability is punishment for “leading an evil life” (p. 12).