Coverage

• As stated in the title of the act, those with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities are covered. In part, the text of the act defines autism as being uneven development marked by ritualistic behavior. It defines cerebral palsy as, in part, "abnormal motor control posture resulting from brain insult or injuries occurring in the prenatal, perinatal or infant period of development." Mental retardation is defined as arrested mental development, and multiple disabilities are defined as two or more disabilities.
  
  

Objectives

• The Multiple Disabilities Act of 1999 has eight specific objectives. According to the text posted on the Rehabilitation Council of India website, some of these goals include assisting the disabled with independent living, to strengthen the ability of the disabled to live with family and to facilitate equal opportunities for and protection of rights of the disabled. The Act was written as a constitution for an organization that would be a "national trust" for the individuals covered by the Act.
  
  

Other Acts for India's Disabled

• The Disability India Network website lists several other acts that have been passed in India. These acts include the Mental Health Act of 1987, which seeks to provide care to mentally ill citizens; the Rehabilitation Council Act of 1992, which put the council into place; and the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995, which seeks to empower disabled individuals and their associates.