Assistive technology (AT) encompasses assistive products and the accompanying systems and services designed to aid individuals facing permanent or temporary functional challenges. AT is vital for enabling and empowering persons with disabilities, the ageing population, and those with chronic conditions. It plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion and engagement in all aspects of society. Assistive products come in various forms, including physical items like wheelchairs, glasses, hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, walking aids, and incontinence pads, as well as digital tools like software and applications that facilitate interpersonal communication, access to information, daily time management, rehabilitation, education, and training. These technologies are essential across all life stages, aiding children with disabilities in education and activities and supporting adults, particularly as they age. 1
Globally, more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products. 2 With an ageing global population and a rise in noncommunicable diseases, more than 3.5 billion people will need at least one assistive product by 2050, with many older people needing two or more. 3
Despite the necessity of AT, access is a challenge. Nearly one billion people are unable to access such technology, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access can be as low as 3 per cent of those in need of these products. 4 In LMICs, market inefficiencies, such as limited awareness about AT products and suppliers, high costs, workforce capacity gaps, and a weak supportive environment, hinder AT access. Among these barriers, the lack of essential market information on pricing, manufacturers, and product offerings is a key challenge across LMICs. Due to limited visibility and information, buyers face challenges in accessing affordable, quality products that meet their needs.
There is a pressing need to mitigate market shortcomings, specifically addressing the lack of visibility regarding supplier and product information by creating a one-stop product catalogue guide for potential buyers including NGOs and governments across low- and middle-income countries.
This report is the first attempt towards such a solution. The aim is to feed this information into a web-based product catalogue that can be exhaustive and
2periodically updated. This report focuses on five assistive products: wheelchairs, prostheses, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and digital AT (including augmentative and alternative communication, screen readers, and smartphones), selected for their high demand in LMICs. The report is organized into seven sections focusing on these product categories. Each section provides an overview of the market, recommended technical specifications and quality certifications, the supplier landscape, and pricing. Additionally, the appendices feature a product catalogue highlighting representative companies and products available in LMICs. This provides reference points for individuals or organizations influencing or planning for improved provision processes and provides information for those in need of AT, helping them to understand more about the providers and products available in their region.
The report serves multiple purposes: 1) to guide AT buyers in LMICs to better understand available suppliers and products, aiding direct procurement, 2) to inform AT donors and funding agencies, allowing them to strategize their investment in the AT sector, and 3) to assist policymakers in identifying market needs and shaping policies to bridge the demand gap. Overall, the report aims to offer key market insights and visibility into the supplier landscape and product offerings for five assistive products.