The Bhima Bhoi Bhinnakshyama Samarthya Abhiyan (BBSA) is an umbrella scheme implemented by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha. The scheme is designed to promote inclusivity and empowerment among marginalized communities, with a strong focus on persons with disabilities (PwDs) and others facing social disadvantage. It aims to create an enabling environment that ensures equal opportunities, social justice, and comprehensive rehabilitation support.
Benefits
The scheme is designed to cater to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. The following categories of PwDs are covered under the new Act:
- Acid Attack Victim
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Blindness
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chronic Neurological Conditions
- Dwarfism
- Hemophilia
- Hearing Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Leprosy Cured Person
- Locomotor Disability
- Low-Vision
- Mental Illness
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Speech and Language Disability
- Thalassemia
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Multiple Disabilities
These benefits are provided through rehabilitation support, access to high-tech services, and socio-economic initiatives aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for all beneficiaries.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be bona fide residents of Odisha.
- Any person with a disability, irrespective of age and category, may avail the services as envisaged under the scheme, provided they have not availed the same benefits previously.
Application Process
Offline Registration
- Registration by Category:
The registration is carried out according to the specific categories of disabilities (e.g., visually impaired, speech/hearing impaired, orthopedically handicapped, leprosy cured persons, mentally challenged, cerebral palsy, autism, and multiple disabilities). - Unique Disability ID:
Applicants must fill out the application form for creating the Unique Disability ID as provided in Annexure-A of the detailed guidelines. - Assessment and Certification:
Once registered, beneficiaries must visit the designated Assessment/Distribution Counters for evaluation by medical/rehabilitation professionals. If an application is found suitable for certification (with 40% or above disability), it is processed through subsequent counters (photo, medical, and ID card/pass book). - Existing Certificate:
PwDs with a prior valid disability certificate need not undergo the medical examination but may still be evaluated for the need for aids, appliances, or additional services.
Documents Required
For individuals or community groups applying under the scheme, the following documents are typically required:
- Proof of Identity:
- Aadhar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving License
- Proof of Address:
- Utility Bill (Electricity, Water, Gas)
- Bank Statement
- Rent Agreement
- Application Form:
- Completed application form as per the prescribed format
- Educational Documents (if applicable):
- Certificates or mark sheets related to educational achievements
- Proof of Social or Economic Status (if applicable):
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Disability Certificate:
- Official document certifying the disability (required for disability benefits)
- Additional Documents:
- Project Proposal or Plan (for community projects or cultural events)
- Any other documents as specified in the detailed guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who are eligible for the scheme?
A1: Any bona fide resident of Odisha with a disability, irrespective of age or disability category, may avail the benefits provided they have not received similar services before.
Q2: How many days are allotted within the ACT?
A2: Specific timelines for processing and service delivery are detailed in the guidelines; beneficiaries are encouraged to refer to the official documentation for exact durations.
Q3: What facilities are provided under this ACT?
A3: The scheme offers a wide range of rehabilitation supports, high-tech services, socio-educational initiatives, and financial aids to promote equal opportunities and social inclusion.
Q4: Which persons with disabilities are covered under the new Act?
A4: The scheme covers a broad spectrum, including but not limited to, acid attack victims, persons with autism, blindness, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, locomotor disabilities, and multiple disabilities, among others.
Q5: Who is responsible for developing the manpower for providing rehabilitation services?
A5: The scheme includes measures to strengthen existing machinery and develop manpower through various government and non-government initiatives as outlined in the guidelines.
Q6: What does the Disability Act, 1999 entail?
A6: The Act provides the legal framework for the rights and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, which the BBSA scheme builds upon to ensure comprehensive support.
Q7: How does the scheme promote individual and group initiatives by PwDs?
A7: By facilitating access to socio-educational services, employment opportunities, and self-employment initiatives, the scheme empowers PwDs to take proactive steps toward their development.