Disability group urges Centre to classify communication aids as essential products
The Hindu
A disability rights group has urged the Indian government to classify augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and prostheses as essential assistive products under the draft Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The group argues that classifying these products as essential is crucial for ensuring access to insurance coverage, public financing, and maintenance, and aligns with international frameworks like the UN Convention and WHO guidelines. It emphasizes that essential classification should not depend on the need for specialist assessment or customization but on the role these products play in enabling autonomy and participation.
All articles from 20 October 2026. Summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors; the linked article is the authority.