Experts call for a National Assistive Technology Policy to support India's differently-abled population

Experts are calling on the Indian government to establish a National Assistive Technology Policy, warning that the lack of a dedicated framework leaves a vast and underserved population without access to technologies that could meaningfully improve their independence and quality of life, The New Indian Express reports.

Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of tools — from hearing aids and screen readers to communication devices and mobility equipment — that enable people with disabilities to participate more fully in education, employment, and daily life. Despite India's ambitious digital inclusion agenda, this segment has not benefited from the same level of policy attention or public investment.

Experts argue that a national policy would need to address several dimensions simultaneously: affordability and access, domestic manufacturing of assistive devices, standardisation, and integration with healthcare and rehabilitation systems. Without a coherent framework, the sector remains fragmented and dependent on charity or individual purchasing power, leaving many users behind.

The call gains urgency in the context of India's growing focus on AI and emerging technologies. As the country builds out its digital infrastructure, advocates argue that the design of these systems must be inclusive by default — and that a National Assistive Technology Policy would be a foundational step toward ensuring that India's technology future leaves no citizen behind.