Role of NGOs in Identification Camps for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in India

Purpose: Identification camps for persons with disabilities are conducted by both government and non-government organisations (NGOs) in India, as a viable option for mass screening. However, it has been noticed that identification of persons with intellectual disability is hindered by various factors and the percentage of people identified tends to vary, depending on the agencies carrying out screening and identification. Methods: To validate this observation empirically, data collected from 33 identification camps was analysed post-facto. Results: The results confirmed that more people with intellectual disabilities were diagnosed at camps organised by NGOs, than at the ones held by government agencies. Conclusions: Qualitative analysis of contributory factors revealed certain salient features related to NGOs that contribute to more accurate identification of persons with intellectual disabilities in camps. This study highlights these factors, while drawing specific inferences for better identification and screening of persons with intellectual disabilities in the Indian context. DOI: 10.5463/dcid.v22i3.89