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Opinion
How is India making assistive technology affordable and changing lives?
Amidst several challenges, India is taking significant steps to make assistive technology more affordable and accessible, transforming the lives of millions.
Dr Senthil NS Kumar1 Stories
Tuesday December 03, 2024 , 4 min Read
The world faces a growing need for assistive technology. According to a 2019 report by UNICEF and WHO, approximately 2.5 billion people require assistive products to lead independent lives. This figure is projected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050, making accessibility a global priority.
Yet, in India, access to assistive technology is alarmingly low, with some regions reporting as little as 3%. With only 29% of people with disabilities owning assistive devices, the unmet demand highlights a critical challenge.
Yet, amidst these challenges, India is taking significant steps to make assistive technology more affordable and accessible, transforming the lives of millions.
Government initiatives such as the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) scheme have played a crucial role in bridging this gap. Operational since 1981, the scheme has distributed essential aids like wheelchairs, prosthetics, and [...]