Current state of mobility technology provision in less-resourced countries

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2010 Feb;21(1):221-42. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2009.07.011.

Abstract

This article reviews mobility technology in less-resourced countries, with reference to people with disabilities in several locations, and describes technology provision to date. It also discusses a recent collaborative study between a United States University and an Indian spinal injuries hospital of Indian wheelchair users' community participation, satisfaction, and wheelchair skills. The data suggest that individuals who received technology from the hospital's assistive technology department experienced increased community participation and improved wheelchair skills. This evidence may have already enabled the hospital to improve Indian governmental policies toward people with disabilities, and it is hoped that future research will benefit other people similarly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Developing Countries*
  • Disabled Persons / rehabilitation*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • India
  • Prostheses and Implants / economics*
  • Quality of Life
  • Self-Help Devices / economics*
  • Wheelchairs / economics