Introduction to Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) is assistance to a person with a disability or a functional limitation to make them able to do their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) with ease and independence. The need or requirement for assistive technology is well defined as the main essence of UNCRPD Article 1. Still, we can say that only few persons are able to get the dignified assistive technology of their utility, and the quality cannot be ensured because access is still a big issue. A population survey or door-to-door mapping is the best way to identify the need or requirement by means of manual or electronic mode. The WHO (World Health Organization) has already provided a rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) tool for the assessment of the requirement of AT. AT can be a service, a product, equipment or an infrastructure redevelopment, and it should be person-centric. AT should be redefined and be accepted and incorporated in national health policy as a basic necessity for people like other amenities.