17 March 2014 saw the start of classification of persons with disabilities into basic categories. The associated Mministerial order is n° 20/18 of 27/7/2009 determining the modalities of classifying persons with disabilities into basic categories based on the degree of disability.The exercise followed a pilot phase in Bugesera District which took place 10th to 28th February 2014.
The activity is being implemented by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Local Government and sets out to address the unmet needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and their assessment. As a result of the exercise policies and programs will be developed based on data collected. Ultimately each person with a disability will be provided with a card entitling them to claim social benefits in accordance with legislation on PwDs.
Each District has a medical team of four people which travels to health centres to perform the categorization. The teams are under the supervision of a team of 10 medical specialists at National level.
One of the challenges encountered was the initial low attendance of people with disabilities. Since then NCPD has recognized that increased consultation and involvement of local leaders and grassroots will add value to the overall mobilization at District and Sector level. To further address the problem, local authority monitoring teams have been put in place for daily follow-up of the activity. Through different communication channels, NCPD continues to encourage all persons with disabilities to attend the activity to reach as many PwDs as possible.
The Ministerial order recognizes 5 categories of disabled persons on the basis of their disability: Physically Disability, Visual Disability, Hearing Impairment, Mental Impairment and a category of Others. Disabilities not specified in the categories mentioned include humpback, little persons and albinos.
Based on the degree of disability, persons are classified into the categories below reflecting international disability standards:
1. 90 - 100%;
2. 70 - 89%;
3. 50 - 69%;
4. 30 - 49%;
5. Below 30%.