NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES–A BLEND OF CBR AND IBR.docVIP

NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES – A BLEND OF CBR AND IBR Rakesh Arora* ABSTRACT The two broad approaches to rehabilitation are Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Institutional Based Rehabilitation (IBR). Several schools on the subject tend to look at these as two distinct, mutually exclusive alternatives and generally argue in favour of one or the other. However, the two approaches are complementary to each other and the policy option is not one of CBR vs. IBR, but one of focus, prioritisation and a judicious mix of both in any comprehensive package of rehabilitation for persons with disabilities. An important step by the government in the direction of an appropriate blend of the two approaches on a large scale, is the implementation of a comprehensive scheme -National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (NPRPD). The scheme is a state sector scheme with a four tier delivery system at Gram Panchayat (GP), Block, District and State levels. The Scheme envisages a CBR approach at GP / Block levels to be dovetailed with an institution based approach at District / State levels. The Union Government provides financial resources, guidelines on implementation of the Scheme and monitors its implementation by the States. The Scheme aims to create a strong network of rural based rehabilitation services. INTRODUCTION A number of approaches to rehabilitation of persons with disabilities are being advocated both in theory and in practice. The two broad approaches to rehabilitation are Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Institutional Based Rehabilitation (IBR). The distinctive features of CBR are that needs of persons with disabilities are met within their own environment, involving family members and community (1). It refers to measures taken at community level to use and build on locally available resources of the community. These resources include the disabled persons, their families and others in the