Helpful devices in India

Examples your therapist or doctor may suggest:

• Walking stick, crutches, walker or wheelchair
• Ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) or other braces for foot drop
• Grab bars, shower stool, raised toilet seat
• Thick-handled spoons, plate guards, dressing sticks
• Hand rails and small home modifications for safer transfers

Fit and training matter more than buying the most expensive item. Ask a physiotherapist or occupational therapist before large purchases.

Common sources:

• Hospital orthotics / prosthetic departments
• ALIMCO and authorised disability appliance centres
• Local medical / rehab equipment shops (ask for a trial)
• District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs)

Bring a prescription or therapist note when possible. For wheelchairs and orthoses, a proper measurement visit reduces pain and secondary injury.

India’s ADIP scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances) can help eligible people get aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and orthoses through implementing agencies.

Typical eligibility ideas (confirm on official sites — details change)

• Indian citizen with a disability certificate (often ≥40% benchmark disability; higher thresholds for some motorised aids)
• Income limits may apply
• Applications can go through the ARJUN / ADIP portal or local implementing agencies (ALIMCO, national institutes, CRCs, DDRCs, NGOs)

Official information: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities — ADIP and the ARJUN portal for beneficiary registration.

A Unique Disability ID (UDID) / disability certificate from a medical board is often needed. Your neurologist or hospital social worker can guide the paperwork.

Online shopping lists and foreign product catalogues are not always right for Indian homes, floors or body sizes. Prefer local fitting and training. This page is educational — not a product recommendation or funding guarantee.

Foundation adaptive devices resources: gbs-cidp.org/adaptive-devices