Empowering Accessibility: New Draft Rules for Assistive Technology Unveiled

The government has proposed an Assistive Technology Portal aimed at boosting the certification, procurement, tracking, distribution, and grievance monitoring of assistive devices for individuals with disabilities. Part of the draft Assistive Technology (Standards and Accessibility) Rules for 2025, this initiative seeks to set comprehensive rules for device standards and accessibility.

The proposed rules classify assistive technologies into essential, specialised, and emerging categories. Each device must meet standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards or a notified authority before being made available. The government's procurement strategy promises transparency by sourcing only from certified manufacturers.

In efforts to improve affordability, the Centre and state governments are to offer subsidies and reimbursements. Essential outcomes include a toll-free helpline for complaints, mandatory incident database monitoring, and immediate replacement of vital devices during emergencies, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)