Usually after parents’ death, their blood relatives (brothers/sisters, aunts/uncles) take over as legal guardians of the children. If the parents’ brothers and sisters are not alive, or aren’t  in the condition to take care of the child, the child is  taken care of by the next closest relatives.

The National Trust Act, 1999 emphasises on Legal Guardianship for individuals suffering from  Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Multiple Disabilities, over the age of 18 and has the provision of appointing Legal guardians who can take care of the person with disability when their parents are no more.

This depends on the type of disability. People with visual, or auditory impairments can definitely get married and have families. Individuals with intellectual disabilities however, cannot get married as they are unable to take responsibilities of marriage, life partner and children. 

Yes, they definitely can! With the right kind of interests and training, disabled individuals can find jobs that will keep them engaged. Persons older than 18 can get vocational skill training (basic trainings that helps them earn their livelihood) which prepares them to work in different jobs based on their interest and skill,  that are tailor made for them.

Not at all! This is a common misconception that needs to be erased through counselling, and spreading awareness. Disabled children are born due to chromosomal abnormalities, or trauma during developmental age, and bad karma has absolutely nothing to do with this.

Treatment is given depending on the age, type of disability ,severity level, associated conditions and present level of the children with disability. Treatment is either Medical  eg – medication to control of fits, Special  Educational services to enhance the development in the areas of adaptive skills, academic, functional skills, prevocational and vocational skills for self advocacy, Speech therapy for speech and language disorders, Occupational therapy for fine and gross motor functioning, and sensory integration, Physiotherapy consisting of strengthening ,stretching  exercises, postural , balance exercises ,active and passive exercises for over all body posture. Remedial treatment for enhancing the educational and academic achievements.Behaviour modification therapy for lowering or decreasing the maladaptive behaviours of the special children.

Living with a disabled child can have profound effects on the entire family–parents, siblings, and extended family members. It is a unique shared experience for families and can affect all aspects of family functioning. On the positive side, it can broaden horizons, increase family members’ awareness of their inner strength, enhance family cohesion, and encourage connections to community groups or religious institutions. On the negative side, the time and financial costs, physical and emotional demands, and logistical complexities associated with raising a disabled child can have far-reaching impact on the entire  family. 

All the children with disabilities  must be enrolled in primary schools., according to RTE ( Right to Education ) Act 2009 . After the assessment of their disabilities by a team of a doctor, a psychologist, and a special educator, in schools, the child will be placed in appropriate inclusive  educational settings. As per the Inclusive Education policy, children with mild and moderate disabilities of any kind to be enrolled  in normal schools. Whereas children with  severe  and profound disabilities are rendered special educational services at  special schools.

There are various provisions in the law to safeguard the rights & well-being of disabled persons, such as:

• The Person with Disabilities Act, 1995 now termed as RPD (Right to Persons with Disability) Act 2016. 
• The Mental Health Act, 1987
• The Rehabilitation Council of India, 1992
• The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999

Since the worldview of a child is often limited to their own understanding, it might be difficult for many children at first to acknowledge disability.  However, with the help of parents, teachers & other caregivers, they can be made aware of the same, and how to foster an environment of love, support & acceptance for children with disabilities.