India’s approach to disability support has transitioned from welfare-driven models to rights-based inclusion. The RPWD Act of 2016 was a pivotal moment, recognizing the role of assistive devices in fulfilling constitutional rights.
Multiple ministries now fund or facilitate AT initiatives, including the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Science & Technology. These efforts are creating an ecosystem that encourages innovation, manufacturing, and wide-scale distribution of AT.
Schemes like ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances) and ALIMCO have expanded their scope and procurement channels. States like Tamil Nadu and Delhi have taken proactive steps in digital accessibility and public AT procurement.
However, implementation gaps persist. Budget utilization, regional disparities, and lack of cross-ministerial coordination often slow progress.
Policy in Practice
Several pilot projects have shown promise. For instance, in Maharashtra, community health workers are trained to identify AT needs at the village level. In Delhi, assistive devices are now being included in school inclusion programs.
Yet, scalability remains a challenge. Without integration into broader healthcare, education, and urban planning policies, AT programs remain fragmented. Aatma advocates for unified, scalable models rooted in real-world user needs.
“Policy means little without practice. True inclusion demands both intent and execution—nationwide, not just in pockets.”
India’s policy foundation is strong and growing. The next step is implementation with speed, scale, and synergy among stakeholders.
