Overview
The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), with support from Mphasis, will unveil a first‑of‑its‑kind policy paper titled "Assistive Technology in India: A Systems and Investment Approach for Inclusion, Independence, and Economic Participation of Persons with Disabilities" on June 24, 2026.
Global Context
The World Health Organization reports that more than 2.5 billion people worldwide require at least one assistive‑technology (AT) product such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics or communication applications, yet less than 10 % of those in low‑ and middle‑income countries have access.
Indian Landscape
India is home to 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, with over 70 % residing in rural areas where access to AT services remains limited. The country’s ageing population and rising prevalence of chronic illnesses are expected to expand the demand for AT.
Existing Policy Framework
India has established a rights‑based foundation for disability inclusion through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the Accessible India Campaign, and sectoral policies such as the National Education Policy, 2020. The Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme is the principal public mechanism for AT provisioning, having expanded access to basic devices for many low‑income households. However, delivery remains fragmented across ministries, schemes and service channels, focusing largely on one‑time device procurement.
Core Recommendations
The forthcoming policy paper calls for a comprehensive overhaul of how India designs, delivers, finances and sustains assistive technology for persons with disabilities, older persons and individuals with functional limitations. It proposes a National Assistive Technology Policy Framework to build an accessible, affordable and future‑ready AT ecosystem.
Market Potential
The paper estimates that the Indian assistive‑technology market could reach USD 8‑10 billion by 2030, presenting a sizable opportunity for policy‑led innovation, investment and domestic manufacturing.
Leadership Quote
Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, stated that assistive technology should no longer be viewed as a welfare measure or a one‑time distribution exercise, but as essential social and economic infrastructure that directly impacts education, employment, healthcare access, mobility, independent living and productivity.
Launch Event
The launch event is expected to bring together Members of Parliament, senior government officials, representatives from the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), technology institutions, civil‑society organisations, development‑sector experts, disability‑rights advocates, academia, research institutes and persons with disabilities to discuss the future of assistive technology in India and the need for a dedicated national policy framework.