Disability detection

A new horizon of development

Disability is a part of biodiversity. Not all disabilities are visible. In some cases, disability is not endurance. Rather, temporary disability is observed in different cases. There are notable numbers of disabled people in Bangladesh. It is found in many research that a lot of disabled people are poor or member of low income group. It is a demand of time to eradicate the poverty of disabled people and develop their standard of life. It is necessary to take initiative to eradicate poverty and develop their standard of life by appropriate goal oriented plan of health, education and training. Countrywide disability detection survey programme has taken to measure the proper statistics of disabled people for identifying the type of disability, level of determination and determine the specific causes of disability.

A pilot survey was started on May 2012 prior to the nationwide survey to test the effectiveness of the system. In the fiscal year 2011-12, Gopalganj district, Jamalpur Sadar, Barura (Comilla), Paba (Rajshahi), Morelganj (Bagerhat), Barisal Sadar, Chunarughat (Habiganj), Phulbari (Dinazpur) were came under this pilot survey. Initiatives were taken to conduct door to door suvery in the fiscal year 2012-13 leaving the pilot suvey areas. Primary data collection was started on 1st June 2013 and completed by 14 November 2013. In the fiscal year 2013-14, detection of disability types and level of disabilities were started by the physician & consultant designated by the Directorate General of Health Services and Protibondhi Seba O Sahajo Kendro under Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation.

In the present fiscal year 2014-15, excluded PWDs are being included and the detection process is in progress. Through the financial support of UNICEF Bangladesh, a web based disability information database is about to be developed to ensure the overall development of the PWDs after they are being detected by the doctors.

Objectives of the Disability Detection Survey:

1.    To determine the number of families of PWDs / person;

2.    To detect visible and invisible disabilities;

3.    To register PWDs and provide ID cards;

4.    To develop an adaptable data base (including information & picture) for the administrative ministry;

5.    To facilitate the inclusion and the techniques of inclusion of PWDs in Governemnt Programmes/Projects properly; and

6.    To ensure the welfare of the PWDs in accordance with the National Policy on Disability.

The 'Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013' has been formulated with the aim of improving the living standards and overall welfare of the disabled people. Section 31 (1) of the said Act contains instructions to provide registration and identity card to persons with disabilities. To that end, a Disability Information System (www.dis.gov.bd) database with web-based applications has been developed for identifying, quantifying and specifying the type of disability and storing information on people with disabilities, which is being updated regularly.

To apply online for a Disability Identity Card, follow the instructions below:

1. The applicant must be a citizen of Bangladesh.

2. Only persons with disabilities, their guardians on behalf of the disabled person or any organization will use this site.

3. Applicant must have birth registration or national identity card.

4. The signature of the applicant should be scanned and replaced in the application form.

5. Must have a valid mobile number and e-mail address.

6. The online application form will be submitted to the concerned Upazila / City Social Service Office at the applicant's current address.

7. Must appear for the medical examination as per the time given by the concerned Upazila / City Social Service Office.

8. When appearing for the medical examination, you will need to bring a printed copy of the online application form submitted.

9. After receiving the SMS from the concerned Upazila / City Social Service Office, identity card (ID card) has to be collected.

The Disability Identification Survey Program is an ongoing activity. People with disabilities who are not yet covered by the Disability Identification Survey will download the application form from the website (www.dis.gov.bd) or apply online and fill up the interview schedule properly and submit it to the nearest Upazila / City Social Service Office.

Office Based Disability Update - (28/07/2021)