| Summary: | During the last 75 years of Independent India, there has been significant progress in the care and recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs). The setting up of the National Institute for Mentally Handicapped in 1984, Rehabilitation Council in 1992, the National Trust in 1999, the revision of the legislation covering the rights of the PwDs in 2016 are all indicative of the recognition of the rights of persons living with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. However, in spite of the articulation of a need for a National Plan, over four decades back, there is much that needs to be addressed. The most recent program to disseminate from village level to national level, the rights of persons with disability is a positive step. There is an urgent need to initiate pilot programs in geographically limited areas to develop care programs from birth to the end of life. This article presents a comprehensive vision for the future with the hope this will find support from the public, professionals, and policymakers.
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