My child in Chennai has a disability, where do I get a disability certificate under the state disability certification rules?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To obtain a disability certificate for your child in Chennai, you need to follow the procedures outlined by the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the State Disability Certification Rules.

Here are the steps to acquire a disability certificate:

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Your child must have a recognized disability as per the criteria defined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
  • Common disabilities include blindness, low vision, leprosy-cured, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental illness, and other specified disabilities.
• Gather Required Documents:
  • Application form for disability certificate (available at the concerned authority's office or online).
  • Identity proof of the parent/guardian (Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.).
  • Proof of residence (ration card, utility bill, etc.).
  • Medical documents confirming the disability (hospital discharge summary, medical reports, etc.).
  • Passport-sized photographs of the child.
• Visit the Designated Authority:
  • Go to the nearest government hospital designated for issuing disability certificates or the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC).
  • In Chennai, you can also visit the Office of the Commissioner for the Differently Abled.
• Medical Assessment:
  • Present your documents and application to the medical board at the hospital or DDRC.
  • The medical board will evaluate your child and determine the extent of the disability.
• Issuance of Certificate:
  • Upon successful assessment, the medical board will issue the disability certificate, usually within a few days.
  • Ensure to keep a copy of the certificate for future reference.

It is essential to follow the guidelines provided under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Section 56) and the Tamil Nadu Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017 for a smooth process.

If you face any challenges during the process, you may reach out to NGOs or legal aid services that specialize in disability rights for assistance.