User satisfaction and dissatisfaction with assistive technology devices and services in India

[Vaishnavi Jayakumar (Inclusive India)]

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82160-w

”The study shows that overall satisfaction and suitability with AT were high among users with functional difficulties, but few have reported barriers to effective device use and facing challenges in accessing repair and follow-up services."

Bang on - the group must address 

1) the absence of repair and maintenance network (both for ALIMCO and private - (Govt incentive to TI Cycles type private players to include manual wheelchair repair and spares via their network.)

2) prescription based assistive technology usage as well as training on how to use the same. Barring spinal cord injured, noone is really taught how to use the wheelchair (anti tippers for example.)

Cochlear implantees are often bereft of the rehab and SLP therapy that is the crucial second half of cochlear implantation.

Tamil Nadu has now started a choice based scheme for assistive aids. Can that be prescribed?

3) Insurance (Arman and his wheelchair) and GST rationalisation (cochlear implant accessories are taxed at much higher rates.

If the NLEAP can be expanded into a dynamic List 32, not just GST but customs duties can also be rationalised. https://www.custada.in/CUSTADA-Online/document/document/Ntfn-012-17-03-2012-List32.htm

4) AAC communication boards are missing from the final NLEAP I think. Symbol standardization, awareness for recall and  future recognition would help for public information pictograms. Additionally designing and prescribing relevant communication boards for disaster scenarios, elections, MIHY booths, police stations 

, courts and parks will help bridge the language gap as well 

5) Multimodal helplines -  (including crisis) 

AT will play a role there by requiring SignLine (Like Signable), Dubash (video language interpretation service on demand, both formal and  BeMyEyes model) and a centralised empanelment of language, ISL, tactile interpreters and  facilitators / special educators in addition to multi-lingual AI translation chat box facility.

6) Relook required at BIS standards available, testing and safety . 

Remember Justin Jesudas mentioning it was mostly hospital wheelchair focussed. What about sports wheelchairs or requirements for hilly areas? Has any testing been done on the wheelchair lifts being used in buses under PM ebus sewa?

Wheelchair manufacturers must also provide a standardised format of wheelchair specs with pictograms for air travel.