Smart home AT has the potential to improve quality-of-life, reduce the reliance on care and facilitate autonomy for those with limitations of function. The research indicates smart home technologies support improved independence, activity, social and community connectedness and, as a result, improved physical and mental health outcomes. Quality-of-life measures…
Systems strengthening for assistive technology: assistive products
Worldwide, more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, prostheses, spectacles or digital assistive technology. This number is expected to rise to 3.5 billion in 2050.
Assistive products are difficult to access in low- and middle-income countries due to several factors, including high costs, limited supply and poor environmental suitability. Where products are available, they may be of poor quality due to insufficient or a lack of testing and limited technical standards, making them unsuitable for use and likely to have a short lifespan.
The price of assistive products is often prohibitive to those who need them, driven up by tariffs and taxes such as customs duties, import taxes and VAT. Poor supply is compounded by limited investment in local manufacturing, meaning people are reliant on imported products.
Assistive products are difficult to access in low- and middle-income countries due to several factors, including high costs, limited supply and poor environmental suitability. Where products are available, they may be of poor quality due to insufficient or a lack of testing and limited technical standards, making them unsuitable for use and likely to have a short lifespan.
The price of assistive products is often prohibitive to those who need them, driven up by tariffs and taxes such as customs duties, import taxes and VAT. Poor supply is compounded by limited investment in local manufacturing, meaning people are reliant on imported products.
Details
Publisher Name:
ATScale
Publisher Website:
https://atscalepartnership.org/
Languages:
English
Resource in another language:
https://atscalepartnership.org/atscale-publications/systems-strengthening-assistive-technology-assistive-products
AT Category Focus:
All
Country or Region:
ALL
Categories:
Factsheet or brief
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