1 July, 2025-In a significant step towards inclusive justice and accessibility, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in Pune has launched a special initiative to provide doorstep medical assessments for children with disabilities. This service aims to ease the burden on families and ensure that children with special needs receive their disability certificates without the hassle of hospital visits or long waiting periods.
The move comes in response to numerous complaints and challenges faced by parents and guardians, particularly those from economically weaker sections, in obtaining medical evaluations — a mandatory step for acquiring a disability certificate and availing government benefits. With the new program, DLSA hopes to bridge the gap in services and promote the rights of children with disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Under this initiative, medical teams comprising pediatricians, psychiatrists, and physiotherapists will visit the homes or schools of identified children. These professionals will conduct on-site evaluations and provide certified reports that can be used for the issuance of disability certificates. DLSA will coordinate with hospitals and government departments to ensure timely processing of the documentation.
According to officials, the program was developed after observing several cases where children were missing out on entitlements such as scholarships, assistive devices, and reservation benefits simply because they lacked a formal disability certificate. In many instances, the families were unable to afford the travel or take time off from work to complete the lengthy hospital procedures.
The doorstep assessment service will initially cover children studying in special schools or registered with local NGOs, and will gradually expand to reach out to those in remote or underserved areas. DLSA is collaborating with local educational institutions and child welfare organizations to identify eligible children.
Speaking about the program, a senior DLSA representative noted, “Access to justice is not just about courts — it is also about ensuring the most vulnerable sections of society can benefit from the legal and welfare systems. By making medical assessments accessible at home, we are making the system more humane and responsive.”
The initiative is also expected to streamline the process of certification, reducing delays and the risk of procedural lapses. Experts believe this move could be replicated across other districts and states, paving the way for a national model for accessible disability certification.
The program aligns with broader goals of inclusive governance and strengthens the implementation of the government’s flagship schemes like Samagra Shiksha, Accessible India Campaign, and the National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities.
As the DLSA gears up to roll out this model in full swing, advocacy groups and parents have welcomed the initiative as a timely and much-needed reform. Many hope this step will not only simplify a complex process but also affirm the dignity and rights of children with disabilities in India.
