Visual Impairment Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, Visual Impairment is recognised as one of the specified disabilities.

The Act categorises Visual Impairment into two distinct sub-types: Blindness and Low Vision.

1. Statutory Definition (Schedule of the RPwD Act, 2016)

According to Section 2(zc) and the Schedule of the RPwD Act, 2016, Visual Impairment includes the following definitions:

A. Blindness

Blindness means a condition where a person has any of the following conditions, after the best possible correction:

Total absence of sight; OR
Visual acuity less than 3/60 or less than 10/200 (Snellen) in the better eye with the best possible correction; OR
Limitation of the field of vision subtending an angle of less than 10 degrees.

B. Low Vision

Low Vision means a condition where a person has any of the following conditions:

Visual acuity not exceeding 6/18 or less than 20/60, down to 3/60 or down to 10/200 (Snellen) in the better eye with the best possible correction; OR
Limitation of the field of vision subtending an angle of less than 40 degrees, down to 10 degrees.

2. Key Provisions and Rights Under the RPwD Act, 2016 for Persons with Visual Impairment

A. Benchmark Disability and Certification

40% Threshold: A person with 40% or more disability, as certified by the authorised certifying authority, is generally considered a Person with Benchmark Disability under the Act.
Disability Certificate and UDID: Disability certification and a Unique Disability ID (UDID) can help eligible individuals access applicable government benefits, schemes, reservations and support services.

B. Inclusive Education (Sections 16 and 17)

Free Education: Every child with a benchmark disability has the right to free education between the ages of 6 and 18 years, as provided under Section 31 of the Act.
Accessible Materials: Educational institutions should provide accessible learning materials and appropriate support, such as Braille books, screen-reading software and large-print materials, according to the student's needs and applicable provisions.
Curriculum Adaptation: Schools should adapt curricula, examinations and teaching methods to support equal participation and inclusive education.
Scribes and Compensatory Time: Eligible students may receive a scribe or reader and compensatory time in examinations, subject to applicable examination guidelines.

C. Reservation and Employment (Section 34)

4% Reservation: Government establishments must reserve not less than 4% of vacancies for persons with benchmark disabilities, in accordance with the Act.
Visual Impairment Reservation: At least 1% of vacancies is reserved for persons with blindness and low vision within the overall reservation framework, subject to the Act and applicable rules.

D. Accessibility Standards (Sections 40–46)

Built Environment: Public buildings, educational institutions, government offices and transport facilities must comply with applicable accessibility standards. Features may include tactile paving, accessible signage, contrast markings and audible indicators.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Websites, digital learning platforms, mobile applications and public information should comply with applicable accessibility standards, including relevant Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Screen-Reader Compatibility: Digital content should be accessible through assistive technologies such as NVDA, JAWS and TalkBack.

E. Assistive Devices and Support Services

Eligible persons may receive assistive devices and support through applicable government schemes, including the ADIP Scheme (Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances).

Examples include:

Optical devices: Magnifiers and low-vision spectacles.
Non-optical devices: Reading stands, task lighting and large-print materials.
Mobility aids: White canes and other suitable mobility devices.
Braille devices: Braille slate and stylus, and other Braille equipment.
Assistive technology: Screen readers and accessible digital reading tools.

3. Summary Comparison Table: Visual Acuity and Field of Vision

Category	Snellen Visual Acuity (Better Eye with Best Possible Correction)	Field of Vision
Low Vision	6/18 to 3/60 (approximately 20/60 to 10/200)	Less than 40° down to 10°
Blindness	Less than 3/60 (approximately less than 10/200) up to total absence of sight	Less than 10°

Important Note: The legal definitions and eligibility for certification should be interpreted according to the RPwD Act, 2016, and the applicable government assessment guidelines. A diagnosis or visual acuity measurement alone does not automatically establish eligibility for every benefit.