Dr. SURAJ SINGH SENJAM

Dr. PRAVEEN VASHIST, Dr.Vivek Gupta, Dr.Souvik Manna

Abstract

WHO launched the first Priority Assistive Products List (APL) for people with disabilities (PwDs) in 2016. Some examples of Assistive Technologies (ATs) for PwDs include mobility aids, such as white cane, hearing aids, cognitive aids, including computer software etc. A cross-sectional study is planned among 2000 adults in Delhi to determine the prevalence of disability and assess their unmet needs. The MDS tool assessed three components of disability; impairment, activity limitation and participation restriction. Usage and unmet need for ATs was also assessed by the questionnaire. Among the survey participants, prevalence of visual disability was 8.5%. Around 38.5% were using any type of ATs out of which 10.3% were using spectacles (low vision, short distance, long distance, filters and protection). The unmet need for spectacles was 58%. Orthopedic ATs had the highest unmet needs that include therapeutic footwear, pressure relief cushions, wheelchair, crutches, orthoses and prostheses.