Advocacy group demands inclusive standards for assistive technology rules in India

Cross-disability advocacy group National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People hosted a stakeholder consultation on Monday regarding proposed national accessibility rules. Mid-Day reported that the organisation called for inclusive standards, affordable access, and innovation under the proposed Assistive Products and Technology Standards and Accessibility Rules. [1]

The consultation gathered more than 100 participants to address technological accessibility for disabled individuals in India. According to Mid-Day, attendees included representatives from disability organisations, research institutions, and industry bodies, discussing the draft rules published by the government department. [1]

The push for affordable assistive technology aligns with previous efforts in India to expand low-cost medical solutions. As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, researchers at IIT Bombay developed an affordable point of care device designed to screen for anaemia and sickle cell disease using a single drop of blood. [2][3]