Types of Disabilities — Amendments

Amendment	Year	Description	Impact
RPWD Rules Amendment 2017	2017	The first major amendment to the RPWD Rules clarified assessment procedures for the 21 disability types and established uniform certification formats across states. It provided detailed guidelines for medical boards and standardized the disability assessment process.	Ensured consistent implementation of the 21-disability framework across India, reducing inter-state variations in certification and improving access to rights and entitlements for persons with disabilities.
RPWD Rules Amendment 2021	2021	This amendment introduced digital certification processes and online application systems for disability certificates. It also clarified assessment criteria for emerging conditions like long COVID affecting persons with disabilities.	Modernized the disability certification system, reduced bureaucratic delays, and improved accessibility of certification services, particularly benefiting persons with mobility limitations.