The disability categories in India are primarily governed by The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act, 2016), which recognizes 21 specific disabilities.
1. Mental or Intellectual Conditions Recognized under PWD Category
The RPwD Act, 2016 recognizes the following conditions related to mental or intellectual function:
Intellectual Disability: A condition characterized by significant limitation both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem-solving) and in adaptive behaviour (which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills). This was previously known as 'Mental Retardation.'
Mental Illness: Defined as a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation, or memory that grossly impairs judgement, behaviour, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental condition typically appearing in early childhood, characterized by significant impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.
Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD): A heterogeneous group of conditions wherein there is a deficit in processing language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself as a difficulty to comprehend, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations.
2. Low IQ Considered as PWD
Intellectual Disability is the category where IQ is a primary factor.
Definition: Intellectual Disability is defined by an IQ score that is approximately 70 or below (typically considered about two standard deviations below the mean).
Percentage of Impairment: For the purpose of issuing a PWD certificate, the IQ range is generally correlated to a percentage of intellectual impairment. A common guideline used in India is:
Borderline (IQ 70-79): Often assessed as 25% Intellectual Impairment.
Mild (IQ 50-69): Often assessed as 50% Intellectual Impairment.
Moderate (IQ 35-49): Often assessed as 75% Intellectual Impairment.
Severe (IQ 20-34): Often assessed as 90% Intellectual Impairment.
Profound (IQ below 20): Often assessed as 100% Intellectual Impairment.
Benchmark Disability: To be eligible for benefits under the RPwD Act, a person must generally have a disability of not less than 40%. Therefore, a diagnosis of Mild Intellectual Disability (IQ 50-69) or higher severity is typically required to obtain a Benchmark Disability certificate, as the associated impairment percentage is 50\% or more.
3. Conditions/Diseases Included under Mental Disability
The RPwD Act, 2016 does not list a few specific diseases under "Mental Illness" but defines it broadly as a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs functionality.
This broad definition means that many severe and persistent psychiatric disorders can qualify for a disability certificate if they result in the specified degree of functional impairment. Examples of conditions that can be certified under this category include:
Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Psychosis)
Severe and Chronic Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with severe functional impairment
Psychotic Disorders (other than Schizophrenia)
The assessment for Mental Illness focuses on the degree of functional limitation in areas such as self-care, interpersonal relationships, communication, and work, rather than just the diagnosis itself. A disability certificate requires a minimum of 40\% functional impairment as certified by a competent medical board, which often includes a Psychiatrist and/or Clinical Psychologist.
Answered2025-10-27 00:39:57
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