Barriers to Utilizing National Trust Act Programmes: A Qualitative Study of Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD)

AbstractThe Government of India introduced the National Trust Act (NTA) in 1999 for persons with autism, mental retardation [intellectual developmental disability (IDD)], cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities. There are ten schemes under the NTA. The current study focuses on understanding the barriers for family caregivers of persons with IDD in utilizing NTA schemes. A purposively selected sample of 10 caregivers of persons with IDD where qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted. Caregivers ’ awareness of the NTA was poor. They were aware of only the Niramaya scheme and were not aware of the Niramaya scheme by name but rather as an insurance scheme. Among the various Government-funded welfare schemes, the respondents were aware of the disability pension. There is a need for intense f ocus and drive towards creating awareness of NTA schemes among families of persons with intellectual disabilities.
Source: Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research