A-Z of RPWD Act, 2016

THE
FUTURE
IS
ACCESSIBLE
Acknowledgements

Sense International India, also known as

‘Sense India’ has been engaging civil society
since its inception in 1997 and it is this
advocacy work of the team, which formed
the basis for this A-Z booklet developed
through web based research. It is being
published to provide easy to understand key
points of the RPWD Act for persons with
deafblindness (PwDb). Each alphabet takes
the reader through a concept which can be
used as a seperate factsheet to develop
understanding about the Act and its key
provisions for PwDb.
The development, publication and
dissemination of this document has been
made possible by support from the Nelumbo
Foundation and Sense International.
We also acknowledge the support of our
national networks of adults with
deafblindness (Udaan), family members
(Prayaas) and the educators (Abhi-Prerna).
Last but not the least, we are thankful to
Ms. Vaibhavi Soni for her contribution in
compiling the content and designing this very
useful advocacy tool.

Nelumbo
Foundation
Introduction

The A-Z of RPWD Act, 2016 is an easy

to go through guide to the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities Act, a
landmark legislation passed by the
Government of India to safeguard the
rights and privileges of persons with
disabilities.
Specifically, this book aims to simplify
the Act's provisions relating to the
rights of deafblind individuals in India.
From access to education and
employment to protection against
discrimination and abuse, this book
covers key areas of the act essential
for persons with deafblindness listing
them from A to Z.
Whether you are a person with
deafblindness seeking to understand
your rights or an ally looking to learn
more about the issues faced by this
community, this book is an essential
resource. Detailed information can be
accessed through scanner codes
mentioned on all A-Z pages.

Let’s dive right in!

Deafblindness, a condition that affects both hearing and vision, is a
unique and often misunderstood disability.
For those living with deafblindness, access to information and
communication can be a significant challenge.
Despite the difficulties faced, deafblind individuals are capable and
skilled individuals who deserve the same rights and opportunities as
anyone else.
From education and employment to social participation and
independence, there are many areas of life where deafblind
individuals need support and accommodations.
By working together and advocating for the rights of deafblind
individuals, we can create a more inclusive and accessible society for
all.

Before we look into the A-Z of the RPWD Act for Persons with
Deafblindness, here are the General Principles of the CRPD available
for persons with disabilities:
(a) respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the
freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons;
(b) non-discrimination;
(c) full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
(d) respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities
as part of human diversity and humanity;
(e) equality of opportunity;
(f) accessibility;
(g) equality between men and women;
(h) respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and
respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their
identities;
AWARENESS

95% of
what we
learn is
through eyes
and ears.

Deafblind individuals are unable to rely on their hearing and sight to understand
the world, and as a result, they face numerous challenges in their daily lives.

The Deafblind community needs support.

Reference:
Section 39

RPWD Act, 2016

Need for Awareness about deafblindness - What you should
know:

• Awareness campaigns and sensitization programmes shall be

conducted by all government departments to ensure protection of
the rights of persons with deafblindness.
• These programmes must promote values of inclusion, tolerance,
empathy and respect for diversity.
• They must advance the recognition of their skills, merits and their
contributions to the workforce and professional world.
• These campaigns must foster respect for decisions made by them
on all matters related to family life, relationships, bearing and
raising children.
• Orientation and sensitization must be provided at the school,
college, university and professional training levels on deafblindness
and the rights of deafblind persons.
• Deafblind persons rights must be included in the curriculum of
universities, colleges and schools.
BENCHMARK PROVISIONS

Nikhil and Govinda, adults with deafblindness sensitizing an official in

Guwahati, Assam

We all need to be sensitized on Benchmark

provisions for Persons with Deafblindness.

Reference:
Section 2, 31, 33,
34, 36 & 38

RPWD Act, 2016

The RPWD Act 2016 defines a "person with benchmark disability" as
someone with at least 40% of a specified disability.

How to calculate total percentage of multiple disability?

𝑏(90−𝑎)
a+ ,
90

where,
“a” will be the higher score, “b” will be the lower score.
The maximum total percentage of multiple disabilities shall not exceed
100%.
Here is an example of a person with deafblindness:
If the percentage of hearing disability is 30% and visual disability is
20%, then by applying
the combining formula given above, the total percentage of multiple
disability will be calculated as follows:

20(90−30)
30 + = 43%
90

Assessment
Guidelines
notified by the
Government of
India
Provisions for persons with deafblindness who require high
support:
• Any person with a benchmark disability who needs high support, or
any person or organization on their behalf, can apply to the
appropriate government authority.
• The authority will then refer the case to an Assessment Board, which
will assess the need for high support and its nature.
• Once the assessment is complete, the authority will take steps to
provide the necessary support in accordance with the report.

Rights for persons with deafblindness:

• Every child with benchmark disability between the age of six to
eighteen years shall have the right to free education in a
neighbourhood school, or in a special school, of his choice.
• For Government jobs reservation:
o There must be identification of posts for reservation.
o 4% of total vacancies in each job group must be reserved for
persons with benchmark disabilities, with 1% each for clause
a, b and c
(a)blindness/low vision
(b)deafness/hard of hearing
(c) locomotor disability
and 1% for clause d and e
(d) autism/intellectual disability/specific learning
disability/mental illness
(e) Multiple disability including deafblindness
o Employers are required to notify a special employment
exchange of any vacancies that arise in their establishment,
in order to make them available to persons with benchmark
disabilities.
o Special employment exchange to keep information of
interested employers and of persons with benchmark
disability seeking jobs.
COMMUNITY LIFE

Ibrahim, a child with deafblindness, happily exploring the zoo with his father

Reference: Reference:
Section 5 Article 19

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness to live within the community:
• Persons with deafblindness or multiple disabilities have equal rights
to live in the community.
• They have the right to choose their place of residence and who
they live with, in an equal basis with others.
• They have access to in-home, residential and other community
support services to support living and inclusion in the community.
• Community services and facilities for the general population should
be available on an equal basis to persons with deafblindness, and
should be responsive to their needs.
• They should be given access to personal assistance to support
living with due regard to age and gender.
• Governments should not require persons with deafblindness to live
in any particular arrangement, unless it is for their betterment.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Hand Stopping Falling wooden Dominoes effect depicting

Disaster Management

Reference:
Section 8 & 24

RPWD Act, 2016

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• Persons with deafblindness shall have equal protection and safety
in armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.
• National and State Disaster Management Authorities should take
measures to include them in their activities for safety and
protection.
• District Disaster Management Authorities must maintain records of
persons with deafblindness in the district and inform them of any
situations of risk.
• Authorities in charge of reconstruction activities should consult
State Commissioners and abide by accessibility requirements for
persons with deafblindness.
• Government shall support them during natural or man-made
disasters and in areas of conflict.
EDUCATION

A young child with deafblindness learning math using Taylor’s

mathematical frame

Reference: Reference:
Section 16-18, 31, 32 & 47 Article 24

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

EDUCATION
Rights for persons with deafblindness:

• The act recognizes the right of persons with disabilities including

deafblindness to education on a basis of equal opportunity.
• All the education institutions recognized by the government should
admit all students with deafblindness without any discrimination.
• Individualized need based support should be provided to maximize
academic and social development of the student with
deafblindness. It includes education in appropriate languages and
communication modes.
• Make buildings, campuses, and other facilities accessible and
provide reasonable accommodations.
• Institutions to provide transportation and other assistance
including attendants to those with high support needs.
• Teachers should be trained in braille and sign language including
tactile mode to support education of students with deafblindness.
• All learning materials to be provided in accessible form - braille,
large font, accessible digital books, sign language etc.
• Free education must be provided to children with benchmark
disabilities in the age range of 6-18.
• All higher education institutions that receive aid from the
government must reserve 5% of their seats for people with
benchmark disabilities. They are also eligible for an upper age
relaxation of five years for admission into higher education
institutions.
• The Act mandates the government to provide inclusive and
accessible education to all the students with deafblindness.
FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

Rajnish, a deafblind individual by birth, can be seen joyfully holding

currency notes in his hand

Earning money is equally important for

persons with deafblindness.

Reference:
Section 24, 37, 84
& 88

RPWD Act, 2016

EDUCATION
Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• Every person with deafblindness has the right to learn skills and be
financially independent.
• Government shall provide social security schemes and programmes
to ensure adequate living standards for those with deafblindness.
• When devising these schemes, due consideration should be given to
diversity in terms of disability, gender, age and socio-economic
status.
• These schemes should include: support for women with
deafblindness to obtain livelihood and bring up their children;
access to aids and appliances, medicine, corrective surgery,
diagnostic services and disability pension provided free with an
income ceiling; unemployment allowance for those registered with
a Special Employment Exchange for more than 2 years; care-giver
allowance to those with high support needs.
• The act also provides a 5% reservation in allotment of agricultural
land, housing and poverty alleviation schemes, with priority given to
women with benchmark disabilities.
• It also provides 5% reservation in allotment of land on a discounted
rate for activities such as housing, occupation and production
centers.
GUARDIANSHIP

Rohan, a boy with deafblindness, is being guided towards a fulfilling life

by his caregiver, Ranjan Ben

Guardian is also a caretaker.

Reference:
Section 14 & 15

RPWD Act, 2016

EDUCATION
Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• A guardian is someone who will be responsible for taking legally
binding decisions on behalf of the person with deafblindness, in
consultation with them.
• People with deafblindness who disagree with the appointment of a
legal guardian can appeal the decision to a designated appellate
authority.
• A guardian cannot use overprotection as a ground to keep
deafblind people away from doing what they like.
• A guardian cannot make decisions on behalf of deafblind
individuals over the age of 18 against their consent, if the individual
desires to pursue new experiences in life.
• The act mandates the government to appoint authorities to help
deafblind people make decisions and raise awareness.
• If a person with deafblindness provided adequate and appropriate
support, is still unable to take decisions, she/he may be provided
support of a limited guardian. Limited guardianship is a system of
joint decision-making that operates on mutual understanding and
trust between the guardian and the person with a disability. It is
limited to a specific period and specific decisions and situations and
must operate in accordance with the will of the person with a
disability.
• These authorities should also provide support for living in
institutions or to those with high support needs, and implement
other necessary measures.
HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT

Educators undertaking training for support to persons with

deafblindness.

Reference: Reference:
Section 47 Article 24

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

EDUCATION
Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• Rehabilitation Council of India shall mandate training on
deafblindness rights for: Panchayati Raj Members, legislators,
administrators, police officials, judges and lawyers.
• They shall induct disability including deafblindness as a component
in all education courses for schools, colleges and university
teachers, doctors, nurses, para-medical personnel, social welfare
officers, rural development officers, etc.
• Capacity building programmes, including training in independent
living and community relationships, shall be held for families,
members of community and other stakeholders, and care
providers.
• Sports instructors will undergo training to ensure the inclusion of
individuals with disabilities, including deafblindness.
• A need-based analysis and planning process for the recruitment,
induction, sensitization, orientation, and training of personnel on
deafblindness will be conducted every five years.
• Government shall plan to advance the promotion of teaching and
research in deafblind studies, including the establishment of study
centers.
INDEPENDENT LIVING

Senthil, a deafblind man, along with his wife and two children,
successfully operates his shop, displaying remarkable independence
Reference: Reference:
Section 9 Article 23

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• Government shall take effective and appropriate measures to
eliminate discrimination against persons with deafblindness
regarding marriage, parenthood, family and relationships.
• They should be given the same rights as everyone else when it
comes to decisions related to guardianship, wardship, trusteeship,
and adoption of children. They should not be left out or excluded
from these decisions.
• They have the right to choose how many children they want to
have and how far apart they want to have them, as well as to be
able to access information relevant to their age, and education on
family planning and reproduction.
• Children with deafblindness should have equal rights with respect
to family life, and receive early and comprehensive information,
services and support to them and their families.
• Children should not be separated from their parents against their
will, except when such separation is necessary for the best interests
of the child, and in no case on the basis of a disability of either the
child or one or both of the parents.
• Alternative care for a child with deafblindness should be sought
first within their immediate family, and failing that, within the
community in a family setting.
• In exceptional cases, they may be placed in a shelter home run by
government or non-governmental organizations.
JUSTICE

A woman with megaphone in one hand and protesting with another

seeking justice against discrimination

Reference: Reference:
Section 12 Article 13 & 29

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• The act mandates the Government to ensure equal access to
justice without discrimination for persons with deafblindness.
• They must have the opportunity to appear as witnesses, or
otherwise participate, in legal proceedings.
• Priority shall be given to those who do not live with family and are
in need of a legal decision.
• Trainings shall be held for people working in the administration of
justice, including police and prison staff for inclusion of
deafblindness.
• It is imperative to implement appropriate support measures for
individuals with deafblindness who live alone or have high support
needs to ensure their ability to exercise their legal rights.
• The Government must ensure that all public documents are
accessible and necessary equipments are provided for filing,
storing, and referencing these documents.
• Facilities shall be provided to allow people with deafblindness to
record their testimonies, opinions, and arguments in their
preferred language and mode of communication.
• The also mandates the government to promote appropriate
training for those working in the field of administration of justice
including lawyers, police, court staff and prison staff.
• All the infrastructure including court premises shall be made
accessible for persons with deafblindness.
KNOWLEDGE AND
ACCESSIBILITY

Shishna, a young woman with deafblindness, operating a laptop with

the use of a refreshable braille device

Reference: Reference:
Section 40-46 Article 9

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• Government shall take necessary steps to provide equal access to
physical environments, transportation, technology and
communication services, and other public services for individuals
with deafblindness.
• These measures should apply to buildings, roads, indoor and
outdoor spaces, public services and information, communications
technology, and emergency services.
• Private sectors should take into account all aspects of accessibility
for persons with deafblindness.
• Information and communication to be fully accessible for people
with deafblindness in print, braille, large font. PwDb should be
provided access to electronic media by providing close captions,
audio description, sign language, color contrast etc.
• Government to ensure production and distribution of universally
designed accessible technology for deafblind - e.g. , refreshable
braille display, smart phones, hearing aids etc.
• Accessible roads shall be provided to foster personal mobility.
• Facilities such as accessible parking spaces, toilets, and ticketing
counters and machines at bus stops, railway stations, and airports
shall be provided to ensure accessibility.
• Transportation must comply with accessibility standards. Older
modes of transportation should be evaluated for safety and
accessibility, and modifications should be made whenever possible
without significant structural changes.
• All building projects must comply with the accessibility standards
set by the Central Government in order to receive building
approval and an occupancy certificate. Current buildings to be
made accessible within 5 years from the date act is enforced.
• Government and local authorities shall create a plan of action to
make essential services such as health centers, hospitals, schools,
railway stations, and bus stops accessible.
LEGAL CAPACITY

Hands of a girl building a home with large multi-colored building blocks

Persons with deafblindness have equal

rights to own a home and inherit property

Reference:
Section 13

RPWD Act, 2016

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• All persons with deafblindness have the same right as other
persons to own and inherit property, control their finances and
have access to loans and other credits.
• They have the same legal capacity as any other person before the
law.
• If a conflict of interest arises between a support person and a
person with deafblindness in financial, property or economic
matters, the support person must not provide assistance.
• A deafblind individual has the right to change, modify, or
discontinue their current support and seek alternative support.
• Family members/caregiver/legal guardian who are supporting the
person with deafblindness should not have influence over them.
The privacy and dignity of people with deafblindness should be
respected.
• Persons with deafblindness also have dreams to have their own
house, a car or get married; they have the right to fulfill their
dreams legally with supported decision making, if required.
MONITORING & IMPLEMENTATION

R P WD 1 6

Image shows a magnifying glass depicting monitoring and

implementation of the RPWD Act, 2016 for persons with disabilities

We have to keep checking RPWD Act is

implemented properly.

Reference:
Section 48, 60 - 88

RPWD Act, 2016

Right to have appropriate schemes:

• Government shall conduct a social audit (checking proper

implementation) of all general schemes and programmes that
involve people with deafblindness.
• The audit should evaluate the impact the schemes and
programmes have on the persons with deafblindness.
• The audit should also assess their compliance to the needs and
concerns of the persons with deafblindness.
• For better monitoring and implementation of the Act, it mandates
the government to form the below government bodies to review
policy, legislation and program with respect to disability and
address concerns related to disability.
• Central Advisory Board
• State Advisory Board
• Chief commissioner of PWD
• State Commissioner of PWD
• District Level Committee
• Advisory boards to meet once in every 6 months to advise the
central and state government on policies, legislation and program
with respect to deafblindness.
• State government to establish special courts for speedy trials for
person with disability including deafblindness. These courts should
be established in every district of the state.
• The Chief Commissioner is mandated to coordinate the work of the
State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities including
deafblindness, monitor utilization of funds disbursed by the Central
Government and take steps to safeguard the rights and facilities
made available to the persons with deafblindness.
NON DISCRIMINATION

Shruti equally engaging in recreational activities with her colleagues in

a team meeting (the young woman in blue)

Reference:
Section 3

RPWD Act, 2016

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• The government must ensure that persons with deafblindness
enjoy the right to equality, life with dignity and respect for his or
her integrity equally with others.
• No person with deafblindness shall be discriminated against on the
ground of disability, unless it is shown that the impugned act or
omission is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
• No person shall be deprived of his or her personal liberty only on
the ground of disability including deafblindness.
• The act mandates the Government to take action to provide
appropriate support for individuals with deafblindness.
• It also requires the Government to create a supportive
environment that allows individuals with deafblindness to reach
their full potential.
OFFENSES & PENALTIES

Man handcuffed for violating law indicating offender getting penalised

Reference: Reference:
Section 6, 7 & 92 Article 17

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Punishment for offences of atrocities against persons with
deafblindness:
• Any intentional act of abuse, insult, discrimination or exploitation
towards children and adults with disability is punishable by law with
fine and imprisonment from 6 months to five years.
• Intentionally insulting or intimidating in public – imprisonment of
minimum 6 months, maximum 5 years and a fine
• Assaulting/using force against a person with deafblindness –
imprisonment of minimum 6 months, maximum 5 years and a fine
• Denying food/fluids under charge or control – imprisonment of
minimum 6 months, maximum 5 years and a fine
• Exploiting a woman with deafblindness with the intention to
dominate her position – imprisonment of minimum 6 months,
maximum 5 years and a fine
• Injuring/damaging/interfering with the use of any limb or sense –
imprisonment of minimum 6 months, maximum 5 years and a fine
• Termination of pregnancy of a woman with deafblindness without
her express consent – imprisonment of minimum 6 months,
maximum 5 years and a fine
• If a company commits a violation under this law, all people in
charge of the company will be responsible for the violation and
punished accordingly, unless it can be proven that they did not
know about the violation or they did take reasonable steps to
prevent it.

Punishment for violating provisions of the Act, rule or regulations:

• First contravention: Fine up to Rs. 10,000
• Subsequent contravention: Fine of at least Rs. 50,000, up to Rs. 5
lakh
Punishment for fraudulently availing any benefit meant for persons
with benchmark disabilities:
• Imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years
• Fine up to a maximum of 1 lakh rupees
• Both imprisonment and fines can be applied

Punishment for failure to furnish information:

• Failure to produce or furnish statements, information or particulars

as required by law can be punished with a fine up to 25,000 rupees
• Continual failure or refusal to comply with the law can further be
punished with 1,000 rupees for each day of continued failure or
refusal
• The punishment applies to books, accounts, statements,
information, particulars, and questions that must be answered in
accordance with the provisions of the law
PROTECTION

Alice, a young girl with deafblindness learning self defense to protect

herself, with her mother

Reference: Reference:
Section 6, 7 & 92 Article 17

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• Every person with deafblindness, has a right to the protection of
their physical and mental integrity.
• They must be treated on an equal basis with respect and dignity.
• No person should be subjected to any form of discriminatory or
unjust treatment.
• Respect for the physical and mental integrity must be upheld.
• Adequate protection should be provided against discrimination,
neglect, and abuse.
• Measure shall be taken to protect deafblind individual from
torture, cruel, violent, inhuman and degrading treatment.
• No person with disability including deafblindness should be used in
research without their free and informed consent that is obtained
using accessible modes, means and formats of communication.
• If anyone thinks that a crime has been, is being, or might be
committed against a person with deafblindness, they can report it
to the local Executive Magistrate.
• The Executive Magistrate shall act promptly to put a halt to this
situation and make arrangements to save the victim. They shall
ensure the victim is placed in a safe environment and receive the
necessary support for their recovery.
• The police officer must inform the aggrieved person with
deafblindness of their right to apply for protection, their right to
free legal aid, their right to file a complaint through the Act or
another law dealing with such an offence.
• No one can be sued, prosecuted or taken through a legal
proceeding for something done in good faith under this act.
QUALIFICATION

Raj accessing computer with support of screen magnifier. Persons with

deafblindness can equally contribute for a job if they are provided
reasonable accommodation.

Reference: Reference:
Section 20-23 & 33 -36 Article 27

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• No employer can discriminate a person with deafblindness for
employment or deny promotion on grounds of disability.
• Barrier free accessible environment should be provided for the
persons with deafblindness.
• If a person acquires deafblindness while in service, he/she cannot
be given lesser rank. In case he/she is no longer suitable for the
same task, they should be transferred to suitable department with
same pay roll.
• Government shall identify posts for each category of persons with
benchmark disability. The identified posts should be in consultation
with representatives of PwDb of each categories. The posts
identified should be reviewed every three years.
• Since deafblindness is counted under multiple disability, one
percent reservation for multiple disability, autism and intellectual
disability also includes for deafblindness.
• Private sector employer should ensure that atleast 5% of their
posts are filled by persons with benchmark disabilities including
deafblindness.
• Persons with disabilities shall be prevented from experiencing
slavery, involuntary servitude, or forced labor.
RECREATION & REHABILITATION

Pinky, a women with deafblindness (in the middle) enthusiastically

learning to cook

Reference: Reference:
Section 27, 29 & 30 Article 26

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness – Government should:
• Provide facilities, support and sponsorships to artists and writers
with deafblindness.
• Make art accessible to them.
• Promote recreation centers and other associational activities.
• Facilitate participation in scouting, dancing, art classes, outdoor
camps and adventure activities.
• Redesign courses in cultural and arts subjects to enable
participation and access for persons with deafblindness.
• Develop technology, assistive devices and equipment to facilitate
access and inclusion for persons with deafblindness in recreational
activities.
• Ensure that persons with hearing impairment can access television
programs with sign language interpretation or subtitles.
• The government must implement measures to facilitate the active
participation of individuals with deafblindness in sports activities.
• Efforts shall be made to improve and enhance the infrastructure
facilities for sports activities for individuals with deafblindness.
• It is crucial that all sporting activities offer multi-sensory essentials
and features in order to accommodate and encourage the full
participation of individuals with disabilities.
• It is crucial that individuals with disabilities have access to
habilitation and rehabilitation services and programs to empower
them to attain independence, maximize their physical, mental,
social, and vocational potential, and fully participate in all facets of
society.
• Rehabilitation services and programs, including health, education,
and employment opportunities, shall be provided to individuals with
deafblindness. These must be provided with consideration of the
individual's economic capacity and overall development.
SOCIAL SECURITY
& HEALTHCARE

Professional medical doctor consulting patient depicting healthcare to

be accessible for persons with deafblindness

Reference: Reference:
Section 24-26 & 37 Article 25

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• Schemes and programmes to safeguard and promote the right of
persons with deafblindness for adequate standard of living shall be
formulated.
• Quantum of assistance for persons with disabilities should be at
least 25% higher than the similar schemes applicable to others.
• Programs should offer resources such as community centers,
disaster and conflict support, access to clean water, assistive
devices and corrective surgery, disability pension, unemployment
benefits, care-giver support, and comprehensive insurance
coverage.
• Government to take steps to ensure barrier free access for person
with deafblindness in private or public hospitals and have access to
free or affordable healthcare service in both urban and rural area.
Government should also promote various methods of preventing
disabilities.
• Measures must be taken for pre-natal and post-natal care,
healthcare during natural disasters and other situations of risk.
• Essential medical facilities for life saving emergency treatment and
sexual and reproductive healthcare should be provided, especially
for women with deafblindness.
• No discrimination shall be allowed in providing health insurance or
life insurance.
• Health care, services and food must not be denied on the basis of
disability.
• The government will implement insurance programs for employees
with disabilities to ensure their financial security and well-being. A
notification will be issued with the details of the insurance scheme,
which will cover expenses related to the employee's disability.
TECHNOLOGY, AIDES &
APPLIANCES

Refreshable Braille display - A vital technology aid for persons with

deafblindness

Reference:
Section 42-46

RPWD Act, 2016

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• Information and communication technology (ICT) includes a range
of digital technologies used to process, store, transmit, and
manage information.
• Making ICT accessible to persons with deafblindness means
designing, developing, and deploying technologies that allow them
to access and use them effectively.
• Common accessibility features for persons with deafblindness
include alternative input and output methods, captioning and audio
descriptions, sign language interpretation, tactile graphics and
haptic feedback, and assistive technology and software.
• Contents in all forms of media (audio, print, electronic) must be
available in accessible formats.
• Electronic goods and equipment meant for everyday use must
include universal design.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN
FOR ACCESSIBILITY

Railway Station with a board mentioning availability of a wheel chair

Reference: Reference:
Section 40 - 46 Article 9

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

Rights for persons with deafblindness:
• The Central Government shall create rules to ensure accessibility
of physical environment, transportation, information and
communications, appropriate technologies and systems, and public
facilities and services for persons with deafblindness in urban and
rural areas.
• Measures shall be taken to provide facilities at bus stops, railway
stations and airports, conforming to accessibility standards.
• Access to all modes of transport, including retrofitting old modes
of transport, shall be provided.
• Accessible roads to address mobility needs shall also be provided.
• Government should promote development, production and
distribution of products and accessories of universal design for
general use of persons with deafblindness.
• Provide forms of live assistance and intermediaries, like guides,
readers, and interpreters, to facilitate accessibility to public
buildings and facilities.
• No permission to build any structure shall be provided unless
building plan adheres to all the accessibility norms.
• No certificate of completion or permission shall be given to take
occupation of building unless it adheres to rules formulated by
Central Government.
• Provide Braille and easy-to-read signage.
VOTING

Election commission officials explaining the whole voting process to

participants including parents, children and adults with Deafblindness

Reference:
Section 11

RPWD Act, 2016

EDUCATION
Participation in Political & Public Life:

• Election Commission of India and State Election Commissions must

ensure that polling stations are accessible to people with
deafblindness.
• Materials related to the electoral process shall be made easy to
understand and accessible.
• Ensure they can participate in political and public life on an equal
basis with others.
• Protect the right of persons with deafblindness to vote by secret
ballot without intimidation.
• Facilitate access to assistive and new technologies.
• Promote an environment conducive to participation in public and
political affairs, free from discrimination.
• Encourage persons with deafblindness to participate in NGOs,
political parties, and other organizations at all levels.
WOMEN & CHILDREN
WITH DEAFBLINDNESS

Young girls and women with deafblindness actively participating in

Pinkathon Marathon

Reference: Reference:
Section 7 Article 4

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

EDUCATION
Rights for persons with deafblindness:

• Government and local authorities shall take measures to ensure

that women and children with deafblindness have equal rights.
• All children with deafblindness shall have equal right to freely
express their views and be provided appropriate support, taking
into account age and disability.
• Every action concerning children with deafblindness must take into
account the best interests of the child.
• The act mandates the Government to provide appropriate
assistance to ensure children with deafblindness can realize this
right.
XPLOITATION

Little deafblind girl, sitting in a dark room, depicting to protect herself

from exploitation

Reference: Reference:
Section 6, 7 & 92 Article 17

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

EDUCATION
Rights for persons with deafblindness:

• Measures shall be taken to protect persons with deafblindness from

being subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
• They are not to be subject to any research without their free and
informed consent obtained through accessible modes, means, and
formats.
• They shall be protected from all forms of abuse, violence and
exploitation and measures shall be taken to prevent the same.
• These measures include taking cognizance of incidents of abuse
and providing legal remedies against them, taking steps to avoid
such incidents, prescribing reporting procedures, and creating
awareness and providing information among the public.
• Every person with deafblindness has a right to respect for his or her
physical and mental integrity on an equal basis with others.
• For any research on disability, a committee must be constituted
with permission from the appropriate Government, in which at
least half of the members must be with disability or from a
registered organization working on disability.
YOUR ROLE

Asha, a young girl with deafblindness being honored by Director UN Statics

in Bern, Switzerland for raising her voice about the lack of data on
deafblindness

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

EDUCATION
Know your rights, understand them and learn to voice your needs.

• If you're a part of the deafblind community, it's important to know

your rights and not be afraid to assert them.
• Educate yourself on the laws and regulations that affect your
everyday life and build a network of support so that you can speak
up when needed.
• With knowledge comes courage, and the confidence to demand
respect for your rights.
• Take it a step further and create a ripple effect by raising
awareness about deafblindness and inspiring those around you to
do the same.
• You have the power to shape the future; be the catalyst of growth,
and empower yourself and those around you to create a more
equitable and just world.
• You have the power to change the world and make a difference, so
take the first step by being the change yourself.
ZEST FOR LIFE

Shruti, a determined individual with deafblindness, triumphantly living her

life, overcoming all obstacles associated with her condition

RPWD Act, 2016 UNCRPD

EDUCATION
“A person who is severely impaired never knows his hidden sources of
strength until he is treated like a normal human being and encouraged
to shape his own life.” – Helen Keler
To all those individuals who are affected by deafblindness, remember
that you possess hidden sources of strength that you may not even be
aware of.
Despite the challenges and limitations that you face, you have the
capacity to shape your own life, to pursue your passions, and to
achieve your goals.
Do not let your impairment define you or hold you back, for when you
are treated as a normal human being and encouraged to realize your
full potential, you will discover a strength within yourself that is truly
remarkable.
Keep striving, keep believing in yourself, and never give up on your
dreams.
Afterword

We hope that this guide to the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
has been a helpful resource for
persons with deafblindness and their
allies. The passing of this landmark
legislation was a major step forward in
ensuring that all persons with
deafblindness are awarded the basic
human rights and dignities that they
deserve.

With this simple and straightforward

guide, we hope to empower individuals
with deafblindness to better
understand their rights and advocate
for themselves.

We also hope that this book has

served as a valuable resource for allies
and advocates who seek to better
understand the issues faced by
persons with deafblindness in India. By
raising awareness and promoting
understanding, we can work together
to create a more inclusive and
equitable society for all.
Scan the QR Codes below to know more
about the RPWD Act.

RPWD Act in Sign Language

(YouTube Video)

RPWD Act in Hindi

This booklet is developed by Sense India and it is

intellectual property of its Resource and
Information unit. For more information or any
questions about how to use this booklet, please
contact Sense India at [email protected]