DEPwD and Ministry of AYUSH Collaborate to Enhance Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has partnered with the Ministry of AYUSH to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in India. This collaboration aims to integrate traditional Indian healing practices, such as Ayurveda and Yoga, with modern rehabilitation techniques. The approved projects, which were announced during the 19th Governing Body Meeting of the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities, focus on various disabilities, including neurodiversity, blood disorders, and age-related conditions.
Collaborative Research Projects
The DEPwD’s recent approval of collaborative research projects marks a significant step in promoting holistic health approaches for persons with disabilities (PwDs). These initiatives are designed to bridge existing research gaps and encourage the use of integrative therapies. The projects will be implemented through leading national institutes, including NIEPID in Secunderabad, SVNIRTAR in Odisha, AYJNISHD in Mumbai, and PDUNIPPD in New Delhi. The emphasis on evidence-based practices aims to foster inclusive well-being across the country.
Key Initiatives and Their Focus Areas
Among the notable projects is the establishment of an AYUSH Center for Research in Neurodiversity at NIEPID, which will explore traditional methods to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and ADHD. Another project at SVNIRTAR will focus on the rehabilitation of blood disorders, integrating Ayurvedic treatments like “Raktamrut Vati” for conditions such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia. Additionally, AYJNISHD in Mumbai will analyze the impact of Yoga on the well-being of students with hearing impairments and their families.
Other projects include studying the effects of occupational therapy combined with Yoga for older adults at PDUNIPPD, as well as comparing Ayurvedic treatments for knee osteoarthritis with physiotherapy interventions. There will also be research on the effectiveness of Ayurvedic herbal treatments versus insulin for diabetic adhesive capsulitis, further expanding the scope of traditional medicine in modern healthcare.
Funding and Implementation
The total funding allocated for these projects amounts to Rs. 5.26 Crore, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing disability rehabilitation through innovative approaches. The DEPwD aims to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives through public-private partnerships and policy advocacy. This funding will support the development of scalable models that can continue to operate even without direct support from AYUSH.
This collaboration aligns with the national priorities set forth in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and adheres to global frameworks such as the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. By integrating traditional healing practices with modern rehabilitation, India is positioning itself as a leader in inclusive and culturally relevant disability care.
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