New Delhi

The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), with support from Mphasis, will release a first-of-its-kind policy paper on assistive technology in India, calling for a national framework that treats assistive technology as a critical component of social and economic infrastructure.

Titled “Assistive Technology in India: A Systems and Investment Approach for Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Participation of Persons with Disabilities,” the paper is scheduled to be launched on June 24.

The report argues that assistive technology (AT) should move beyond the traditional welfare approach and be recognised as a key enabler of education, employment, healthcare, mobility, independent living and economic productivity.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.5 billion people worldwide require at least one assistive technology product, including eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics and communication tools. However, in low- and middle-income countries, fewer than 10 per cent of those requiring such devices have adequate access.

Highlighting the growing need for a structured policy response in India, the paper proposes the creation of a National Assistive Technology Policy Framework aimed at transforming the way assistive technologies are designed, financed, delivered and maintained.

NCPEDP Executive Director Arman Ali said assistive technology should be viewed as an investment in human capability rather than merely a support service.

“Assistive technology can significantly influence access to education, jobs, healthcare services, mobility and independent living. It must be treated as essential infrastructure for inclusion and economic participation,” he said.

India is home to nearly 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, with more than 70 per cent residing in rural areas where access to assistive devices and related services remains limited. The demand is expected to rise further due to population ageing and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses and functional impairments.

While India has introduced several measures to advance disability rights—including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, the Accessible India Campaign and the National Education Policy 2020—the report notes that assistive technology services remain fragmented across ministries and schemes.

The Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme continues to be the primary public mechanism for providing assistive devices. However, the paper argues that the existing approach remains largely focused on one-time procurement and distribution rather than long-term service delivery and support.

The report estimates that India’s assistive technology market could grow to between USD 8 billion and USD 10 billion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for innovation, domestic manufacturing and investment. Despite this potential, access to assistive products and services remains limited for a large section of the population that requires them.

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The launch event will bring together policymakers, Members of Parliament, government officials, representatives from technology institutions, disability rights advocates, researchers, civil society organisations and persons with disabilities to discuss the future of assistive technology and the need for a dedicated national policy framework.