Psychology and Physical Disability Policies

TLDR: In this article, the authors present a review of psychological studies on physical disability and critique major disability initiatives of the Government of India, namely Persons with Disabilities Act 1995, National Policy for Disabled and community-based rehabilitation, in terms of their objectives, implementations and outcomes.

Abstract: This paper critiques the social policies related to physical disability in India and shows how psychology can occupy a centre stage in the disability discourse. While framing social policies, it is required that all aspects of the issue are considered to render a policy more comprehensive. The paper reviews psychological studies on physical disability and critiques major disability initiatives of the Government of India, namely Persons with Disabilities Act 1995, National Policy for Disabled and community-based rehabilitation, in terms of their objectives, implementations and outcomes. It suggests attitude change, process documentation, asset mapping and creating learning communities as possible areas where the much needed interface between psychology and disability-related policies can be created.