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File No. CS-SWE-006 · Central Scheme · Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme — DDRS

Government funding for a nationwide network of NGO-run special schools, early intervention centres, and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.

Note: DDRS funds NGOs and voluntary organisations, not individuals directly — families access services through DDRS-funded centres rather than applying to the scheme themselves.

What this scheme offers

Running since 1999 (renamed DDRS in 2003), this Central Sector Scheme gives grant-in-aid to registered NGOs and voluntary organisations running services for persons with disabilities — special schools for children with disabilities, early intervention and therapy centres, cross-disability therapy and counselling centres, vocational training and job placement projects, and half-way homes for psychosocial rehabilitation of persons recovering from mental illness. Covered disability categories include locomotor disability, visual and hearing impairment, intellectual disability, and multiple/cross disabilities. Rather than paying individuals directly, the government funds the infrastructure and staff costs at these centres, so services reach families at little or no cost through the organisation running the project.

Who this scheme is for

  • Persons with disabilities of any age, needing special education, early intervention, therapy, vocational training, or psychosocial rehabilitation.
  • Registered NGOs and voluntary organisations with relevant experience are who actually apply for and receive DDRS grants.
  • Families access services by enrolling with a DDRS-funded centre in their area, not by applying to DDRS itself.

How families can find and access DDRS-funded services

  1. Search for DDRS-funded organisations in your state through the DEPwD website (depwd.gov.in) or the e-Anudaan grants portal (grants.depwd.gov.in), which lists funded projects.
  2. Contact your nearest District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) for information on locally available services and referrals.
  3. Enquire directly with special schools, early intervention centres, or vocational training NGOs in your district about DDRS-funded seats.
  4. Bring your disability certificate/UDID card when enrolling, since most centres require this for admission and to determine the type of support needed.
  5. If you run or work with an NGO wanting to apply for a DDRS grant, guidelines and the application process are available at grants.depwd.gov.in.

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