Know Your Rights
Legal & Financial Rights
India has robust legal protections for children with disabilities. Most parents are never told about these rights. This guide covers everything you are entitled to under Indian law.
Identity & Documentation
UDID Card (Unique Disability Identity Card)
FreeMandatory for accessing all government disability schemes. Apply online at swavlambancard.gov.in. Required documents: disability certificate from a government hospital, Aadhaar card, passport-size photos.
Benefit
Access to Niramaya insurance, railway concessions, educational benefits, employment reservations
Disability Certificate
Free (government hospital)Issued by a government medical authority. Required to apply for UDID. Visit the nearest government hospital's medical board. For children, a pediatric neurologist or developmental pediatrician can certify.
Benefit
Foundation for all other rights and benefits
Financial Benefits
Section 80DD — Income Tax Deduction
Free (file with ITR)Deduction for medical expenses of a dependent with disability. Flat deduction of ₹75,000 (or ₹1,25,000 for severe disability ≥80%) regardless of actual expenses. File Form 10IA with your ITR.
Benefit
Annual tax saving of ₹15,000–₹37,500 depending on tax bracket (30% bracket = ₹37,500 saving)
Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme
₹250–₹500/year premiumHealth insurance specifically for persons with intellectual disabilities (autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, multiple disabilities). Annual premium: ₹250 (family income below ₹15,000/month) or ₹500 (above). Apply through National Trust.
Benefit
Coverage up to ₹1 lakh/year for medical expenses including therapy, hospitalization, and medicines
Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) Scheme
Free (income-based)Government scheme providing assistive devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids, AAC devices, etc.) to persons with disabilities. Apply through ALIMCO or district disability rehabilitation centers.
Benefit
Free or subsidized assistive devices worth ₹10,000–₹1,00,000+
Education Rights
Right to Education Act (RTE) — Section 3
FreeChildren with disabilities have the right to free and appropriate education in neighborhood schools up to age 18. Schools cannot deny admission. Schools must provide necessary accommodations and support.
Benefit
Free education with accommodations, no discrimination, inclusive classroom support
CBSE/ICSE Exam Accommodations
FreeStudents with disabilities are entitled to extra time (20–30 minutes per hour), scribe/reader, separate room, and other accommodations in board examinations. Apply through your school principal.
Benefit
Equal opportunity in examinations
Healthcare Rights
RPwD Act 2016 — Right to Healthcare
FreeThe Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 mandates that all government hospitals provide free treatment to persons with benchmark disabilities. Includes free medicines, diagnostics, and therapy.
Benefit
Free healthcare at government hospitals
Ayushman Bharat — PM-JAY
Free (for eligible families)If your family qualifies for Ayushman Bharat, it covers hospitalization costs up to ₹5 lakh/year. Developmental conditions requiring hospitalization may be covered.
Benefit
Up to ₹5 lakh/year hospitalization coverage