POLICY NOTE
DEPARTMENT FOR WELFARE OF THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED PERSONS
2012 – 2013
INTRODUCTION
This Government is always keen on extending on priority the implementation of welfare schemes for differently abled persons in Tamil Nadu. In order to provide effective rehabilitation services to the differently abled persons, during 1993 a separate Directorate for the Rehabilitation of the Differently Abled Persons was formed by bifurcating the Directorate of Social Welfare. A comprehensive State Policy for the Welfare of the Differently Abled Persons was released for the first time by this Government during 1994. As per the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, this Directorate was upgraded as Office of the State Commissioner for the Differently Abled during 1999 and an Officer in the cadre of Indian Administrative Service was appointed as the State Commissioner for the Differently Abled Persons. In order to ensure the differently abled persons to lead a dignified life on par with others, Government of Tamil Nadu has evolved a number of policies and various welfare schemes.
BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED PERSONS
The Government, under the able leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister in her earlier regime amended the development control rules of the Chennai Metropolitan area to ensure provision of a barrier free environment for differently abled persons.