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Elderly population in the world is rising fast and the rise is even faster for India due to the continuous rise in life expectancy. Delivery of health services to the elderly Indian population in rural areas, which is about 80% of the total elderly Indians, is a big challenge. An effective solution to the problem lies in developing assistive systems and devices based on modern technologies and designed to support or assist the elderly persons in having healthy, comfortable and dignified life in the society. This paper presents major challenges of elderly people. Some of the major research works already carried out on assistive systems and devices are summarily reviewed. Some further assistive systems/ devices are proposed and desirable features for them are suggested. Novel concept of integrating the proposed assistive systems/devices into a single integrated system to serve the elderly users better is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically reviews and reflects on the processes for providing Assistive Technology (AT) services to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. The aim is to investigate the AT service delivery systems in these countries and suggest improvements where weaknesses are identified. We carried out a descriptive qualitative exploratory study in Bangladesh, India and Nepal by conducting key informant interviews with policymakers (5), AT service providers (22) and mobility and hearing related AT service users (21). We used a directed content analysis approach guided by a seven-point AT service delivery process model to thematically analyse the existing processes for AT service delivery, from first contact through to follow-up and maintenance. AT service delivery processes are sub-optimal in all three countries, and improvements are needed. No common AT service delivery process was found, although there are common features. In general, it is easier for PWDs in India and Nepal to access AT than for those in Bangladesh, but all three countries are failing to live up to their commitments to uphold the human rights of PWDs. Although good elements of AT service delivery processes can be identified, the systems in all three countries are fragmented and generally weak. A more holistic approach of looking at the process of AT service delivery, from first contact right through to follow-up and device maintenance, with a single door service delivery system, free of cost at the point of service is recommended in these countries. Although we found significant weaknesses in AT delivery in all three countries, there are some good AT service delivery practices and opportunities for these countries to learn from one another. A systematic and stepwise approach to assessing current AT service delivery processes in the three countries – examining the delivery system as a whole, from initiation to repair and management – can help identify opportunities to improve the process for (prospective) AT users. A more coherent single door system of AT service delivery will increase the quality and efficiency of the fragmented AT service delivery practices in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: People with intellectual disabilities are deeply affected by health inequity, which is also reflected in their access to and use of assistive technology (AT). Including the perspectives of adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers, together with the views of local health professionals, suppliers of AT and policy-makers, this paper aims to provide an overview of factors influencing access to AT and its use by people with intellectual disabilities in Bangalore, a southern region of India. Method: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 adults with intellectual disabilities (ranging from mild to profound) and their caregivers, and with 16 providers of AT. This helped to gain insight into the current use, needs, knowledge, awareness, access, customisation, funding, follow-up, social inclusion, stigma and policies around AT and intellectual disability. Results: Access to AT was facilitated by community fieldworkers and services to reach out and identify people with intellectual disabilities. Important barriers were stigma, and lack of knowledge and awareness among parents. Factors related to continued use were the substantial dependence on the care system to use AT, and the importance of AT training and instructions for the user and the care system. Conclusion and Implications: The barriers and facilitators related to AT for people with intellectual disabilities differ from other populations in need. The findings of this study can be used to inform and adjust country policies and frameworks whose aim is to improve access to AT and enhance the participation of people with intellectual disabilities within their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The lower limb amputation is one of the major concerns for the amputee's daily life and the trans-femoral (TF) amputation is being paid a lot of attention because of its functional requirement in flexion-extension motion. Though significant progress has been made for the development of high end prosthetic knee joint, the affordability of the same is still a great concern. Thus, a passive polycentric knee joint was developed and the health related quality of life (HRQL) before and after the fixation of the prosthesis, and performance of the same were studied. Design: After 6 months of fixation, the HRQL and performance of the prosthetic device were evaluated. Results: The HRQL after the fixation was found to be increased, where the improvement on the physical and mental score was found to be 49 and 46%, respectively, in comparison with pre-fixation stage. The global score (G) for the prosthetic function was found to be 63, which confirmed the increased performance of the prosthesis. Conclusions: The improved HRQL and G of prosthetic performance confirmed the enhanced performance of the prosthesis. It is concluded that the developed passive polycentric knee joint could be explored in large scale for the TF amputees. The above knee (AK) amputation is a surgical interference that severs the thigh segment between the knee and hip joints. The above knee prosthesis consists of a socket, knee joint, pylon and foot. The artificial prosthetic knee joint imitates the functions of human knee to achieve the flexion-extension motion of the above knee amputee. The satisfaction of the amputees with the usage of the existing artificial prosthetic knee joint is still a concern. Hence, a passive prosthetic knee joint was developed and its effect on the quality of life of trans-femoral amputee was evaluated using health related quality of life (HRQL) before and after the fixation of the prosthesis The HRQL after the fixation was found to be increased in comparison with pre-fixation stage. The global score for the prosthetic function was also found to be increased which confirmed the increased performance of the prosthesis. It is anticipated that the developed knee joint is expected to make huge impact due to its function, performance and affordability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The world is advancing towards a technological revolution in various fields, yet the assistive devices available for people with disability, especially in developing countries, are in the most primitive stage. For many years, lower limb orthotics has been a neglected area of research and there is an urgent need to address the problems faced by lower limb orthosis users to enable them to lead an independent life. This work is a first step in this direction and aims to identify and analyse the needs of knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) users in India. Method: A structured feedback survey of 29 KAFO users was conducted at three rehabilitation centres located in South India. A feedback questionnaire and a novel outcome measure tool (trigger cards) were used as means to assess user satisfaction about their existing KAFOs. The results of the survey were analysed to obtain quantitative and qualitative outcomes. Results: The survey identifies various biomechanical and functional issues associated with lower limb orthosis design. The results of the survey imply that there is an urgent need to solve issues, especially related to locked orthotic knee joint design. Additionally, it sheds light on the lifestyle and socio-economic issues of KAFO users that are likely prevalent in many other low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: The outcomes of this survey can motivate and guide researchers to design improved orthotic solutions to meet the needs of lower limb orthosis users all over the world. Implications for Rehabilitation:  • This is a first of its kind survey that brings forth the needs of lower limb orthosis users in India, and is an important step towards rehabilitation and empowerment of people with lower limb disability.  • The pilot survey helps to identify critical areas for design improvements in a knee-ankle-foot orthosis.  • The outcomes of this survey can help researchers to design functionally improved assistive devices that better meet the needs of users than currently available technology in developing countries such as India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assistive Technology (AT) can have significant beneficial effects for people with disabilities (PwDs) but there are also many barriers to their use. These barriers need to be analyzed in order to improve their overall quality of life. Accessible India Campaign under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims at achieving universal accessibility for persons with disabilities and to create an enabling and barrier-free environment for them. While assistive technologies such as advanced wheelchairs may help PwDs become employed or return to work, many non-technological barriers cause that promise to go unfulfilled. In this reference the present study has been done to identify various barriers to the use of AT among the PwDs in India by conducting a survey in different parts of the country. India has over 70 million plus people in the disabled category and the use of AT is of great importance for them. This study aims to explore various barriers to implementing assistive technology for PwDs in Indiato help them to live an independent and productive life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]