# Global practices in AT provision: considerations for a national assistive technology policy for health in India

## TL;DR

This paper proposes a national assistive technology policy for India to better support people with functional impairments and improve public health outcomes.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a comprehensive framework for a National AT Policy in India, informed by global best practices.

## Key findings

- Assistive technologies significantly improve functionality and quality of life for people with impairments.
- India lacks adequate legal and policy frameworks to support equitable access to assistive technologies.
- A national AT policy could help India achieve Sustainable Development Goals and its 2047 vision.

## Abstract

Functional impairment refers to limitations in performing basic activities necessary for independent living, mobility, communication or social participation. Meeting the needs of people with functional impairments is an essential part of strengthening India’s health system. Present article is an attempt to cover the individuals with functional impairments under proposed Health Policy on AT, which otherwise have inadequate attention in existing public health policies, acts, and laws. Assistive technologies (AT), such as wheelchairs, white canes, hearing aids, spectacles, prosthetic limbs, communication boards, memory aids, adapted writing tools, and self-care devices, play a vital role in improving functionality, enhancing quality of life, and enabling participation in education, employment, and community activities. Based on wide range of articles reviewed from the countries with best provisioning models on AT, present health policy article proposes recommendations for a comprehensive inclusive National AT Policy for India. The policy considerations emphasize legal entitlements, sustainable financing, equitable access, integration into health systems, digital inclusion, localized manufacturing, and cross-sector collaboration. Implementing assistive technology policy is not only essential to improve public health outcomes, but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and realizing India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.