Section 13: Research and Development
While the laws and policies for promoting research and development, and availability and use of universally designed goods, services, equipments and facilities, and new technologies, including information and communications technologies, mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, suitable for persons with disabilities, are in place it is unfortunate that it does not provide accessible information to persons with disabilities about these technologies. The Eleventh Plan has drawn up a concerted and detailed plan to overcome the shortcoming. In addition the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 contains Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Disabled and Elderly Persons. Its scope and responsibilities are wide and covers, public places including transport facilities, academic institutions, and government and private offices.
Further the Eleventh Plan promises to promote greater accessibility and a barrier-free environment to persons with disabilities and that a new National Institute of Universal Design will be set up. All National Institutes would undertake activities of community outreach to meet the needs of the neglected and persons with disabilities in slums, tribal belts, semi-urban and rural areas. The Plans and policies does show sensitivity and will in enabling persons with disability a dignified life. But as of now, shadow reports, newspaper reports and practical observation tell tales of elusive aids, devices and assistive technologies and inaccessible spaces for persons with disabilities.