01
Blindness
Physical & sensoryA severe vision condition where a person has little or no useful sight even with glasses. Children learn through Braille, screen readers, orientation and mobility training, and tactile teaching materials.
Understanding the 21 Disabilities
A simple guide for parents and teachers to the disabilities recognised under India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Every child’s needs are different — early, informed support makes the biggest difference.
Physical & sensoryIntellectual & learningMental health & neurologicalBlood disorders & other conditions
02
Low vision
Physical & sensorySignificant sight loss that cannot be fully corrected. Children may need large-print books, magnification tools, high-contrast worksheets and seating close to the board.
03
Leprosy cured persons
Physical & sensoryPeople who have been medically cured of leprosy but continue to have nerve damage, loss of sensation or visible deformities. Support includes physiotherapy, protective footwear and dignity-centred care.
04
Hearing impairment
Physical & sensoryIncludes deafness (very little or no hearing) and being hard of hearing (some hearing remains). Support ranges from sign language and hearing aids to speech therapy and visual cues in class.
05
Locomotor disability
Physical & sensoryDifficulty moving or using the body because of muscle, bone or nerve conditions. Children may use walkers, braces or wheelchairs and need accessible classrooms and movement breaks.
06
Dwarfism
Physical & sensoryA condition where an adult’s height is typically 4 feet 10 inches or less. Children may need adaptive furniture, step stools and monitoring for joint, spine or breathing concerns.
07
Intellectual disability
Intellectual & learningSlower development in learning, reasoning and everyday life skills. Children benefit from concrete, repeated instruction, visual schedules, hands-on activities and strong life-skills training.
08
Mental illness
Mental health & neurologicalConditions that affect thinking, mood or behaviour, such as anxiety, depression or schizophrenia. Support includes therapy, predictable routines, reduced stigma and family guidance.
09
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intellectual & learningA developmental difference that affects communication, social interaction and behaviour. Children often do well with clear routines, visual supports, sensory breaks and explicit social-skill teaching.
10
Cerebral Palsy
Physical & sensoryA movement and posture disorder caused by early brain injury. Effects vary widely, from mild clumsiness to needing mobility aids or communication devices. Therapy and adaptations help a child participate fully.
11
Muscular Dystrophy
Physical & sensoryA group of conditions that cause progressive muscle weakening. Children may need mobility support, breathing assistance and classroom adaptations to keep learning alongside peers.
12
Chronic neurological conditions
Mental health & neurologicalLong-term disorders of the nervous system such as epilepsy or neuropathy. Management focuses on medical care, safety plans, fatigue management and reducing seizure triggers.
13
Specific learning disabilities
Intellectual & learningDifficulties in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) or maths (dyscalculia) despite average or above-average intelligence. Multisensory, structured teaching makes a clear difference.
14
Multiple sclerosis
Mental health & neurologicalAn autoimmune condition that damages the protective covering of nerves, leading to fatigue, weakness or vision changes. Support includes rest breaks, flexible schedules and assistive tools.
15
Speech and language disability
Physical & sensoryPersistent difficulty speaking or using language because of physical or neurological causes. Speech therapy, visual supports and augmentative communication devices can open new ways to communicate.
16
Thalassemia
Blood disorders & other conditionsAn inherited blood disorder that reduces haemoglobin and causes anaemia and fatigue. Children may need regular transfusions, good nutrition and a flexible school routine.
17
Hemophilia
Blood disorders & other conditionsA bleeding disorder where blood does not clot easily. Schools need injury-prevention plans, safe play areas and a quick medical-response plan for any cuts or falls.
18
Sickle cell disease
Blood disorders & other conditionsA blood disorder that causes pain episodes, anaemia and organ damage. Hydration, warmth, rest, medical care and reduced strenuous activity help manage symptoms.
19
Multiple disabilities
Physical & sensoryA combination of two or more disabilities, such as deaf-blindness. Needs are complex and highly individual, so coordinated, one-to-one support across therapists and educators is essential.
20
Acid attack victims
Physical & sensorySurvivors of acid violence who may have scarring, vision loss or other lasting effects. Support includes medical rehabilitation, counselling and inclusive education without discrimination.
21
Parkinson's disease
Mental health & neurologicalA progressive nervous-system condition causing tremor, stiffness and slow movement. It is more common in adults, but the Act recognises it so that affected individuals receive legal protection and support.
Not sure where your child fits?
A formal assessment and disability certificate are the first steps toward the right therapy, school accommodations and legal rights. K-Setu helps families understand the path and build a learning plan that fits the child, not just the diagnosis.
Every child deserves the right bridge
Call or message to discuss your child's needs. The first conversation is always free.