Initiative

ISIC sets up Department of Assistive Technology

The services of the new department will include assessment and evaluation for appropriate assistive devices like manual wheelchair and walking aids

In order to make technology a regular part of the lives of persons with disabilities and others who need wheelchairs, crutches or other assistive devices to lead normal lives, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), New Delhi has recently set up the Department of Assistive Technology (DAT), in collaboration with University of Pittsburgh, USA in its campus.

The department is completely devoted to the innovative and advanced system of assistive technology delivery system for improving the lives of the disabled/others who need assistive devices.

It will work on the concept of ‘patient-driven approach’ where a patient will be clinically evaluated for the appropriate assistive devices and based on that the quality device will be recommended as per his/her needs. In other words, the technology will be shaped around the patient and his/her lifestyle. The centre will also ensure that the technology is availed to patients keeping in mind the Indian physical environment coupled with low cost factor affordable to Indian consumers.

"Assistive devices, although they look simple, are being customised across the globe according to individual requirements. In India, we need to put more emphasis on their selection and usage, as these devices invariably act as body parts and any trouble with them could mean trouble for the individual who is using them," said Major HPS Ahluwalia, Chairman, ISIC.

According to national statistics on disability, there are eight million potential wheelchair users in India (National Sample Survey Report 2002) at present. A majority of them, who already possess these devices, are unable to use them due to inappropriate configuration resulting into pain, fatigue and secondary injuries.

The services of the new department will include assessment and evaluation for appropriate assistive devices like manual wheelchair, walking aids (crutches, walker, sticks) based on patient's controls in all environments, providing better seating and positioning system for improving postural stability and alignment to increase comfort and sitting tolerance and decrease fatigue using proper custom designed cushions. Besides, it would also offer on-site device customisation and fabrication for wheelchair and its various accessories (arm/leg rest, lap tray, sliding board etc.), computer adaptations and enabling accessibility features like adaptive hardware and software based on patient's skills level (motor, cognitive, visual, communication).

"We would provide assessment and suggestions for home modification and personal transportation for those who have barriers in their house and transportation, training for patients, their families, rehabilitation professionals and disability advocates on the scope, availability and procedures for recommendation of assistive devices," added Ahluwalia.

The Institute's future plans include research and development activities in the field of latest technical advancements in assistive technology, and providing academic programmes to train upcoming professionals in the field of assistive technology.

EH News Bureau