Awareness among Family Members of Children with Intellectual Disability on Relevant Legislations in India.

Purpose: The present study was undertaken to assess the level of awareness on legislations relating to intellectual disability among family members in India. Method: A sample of 103 respondents attending home based training services for their wards at National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), India, were administered a thirty item questionnaire, classified into awareness of legislations, awareness of rights, concessions and benefits and life cycle needs. Results: There is a moderate level of awareness on legislative aspects. Educated respondents showed better awareness about legislations than less educated persons. Respondents were better aware of benefits and concessions because of their direct utility in their day-to-day activities. Conclusion: There is a need for creation of awareness and sensitization among parents and caregivers having persons with intellectual disability to enable them to receive optimum benefits. To reach the uneducated population the materials must also be made available in non-print media such as television, posters and illustrated pamphlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]