Open-source exoskeleton aims to close disability divide

03/07/2025 0 Comments read Disability, Health & Science

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 03.07.2025 (SciDev.Net): Mechanical engineers in the US have decided to make their design open source, ensuring the assistive technology for people with severe physical disabilities is free to access across the globe.

The Northern Arizona University researchers say OpenExo could help people in resource-limited countries create their own wearable robotic devices and foster innovation in this field. The modular robotic device with multiple configurations can assist in the rehabilitation and improved mobility of people with physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, stroke-related impairments and cerebral palsy.

Globally, over 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products. According to The WHO and UNICEF Global report on assistive technology (2022), only three per cent of people in some low-income countries have access to the assistive products they need, in comparison to 90 per cent in some high-income countries.

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Why polio survivors may benefit from a lung function test

14/03/2023 0 Comments read Disability, Health & Science, Poliomyelitis

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 14.03.2023 (Allergy and Respiratory Republic): Basic lung function tests could go a long way in preventing complications in polio survivors as they age. These patients often require specific respiratory assessment and recommendations for physiotherapy, orthotics and assistive technology to manage their condition, experts say.

“It is only in the last 20 to 30 years that there has been a better recognition of respiratory compromise in polio survivors,” Dr Stephen de Graaff, director of Pain Services and senior rehabilitation physician at Epworth Healthcare in Melbourne, tells ARR. “Respiratory physicians have a better knowledge and understanding of Late Effects of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome than previously, but we are still learning. Even within the universities and the medical fraternity, teaching emphasises the acute poliomyelitis condition rather than the Late Effects of Poliomyelitis or PPS.”

“The commonest cause of respiratory compromise in polio survivors relates to restrictive lung disease (a decrease in the total volume of air that the lungs are able to hold), but this is often confused with having obstructive lung disease as in asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. However, it doesn’t exclude them from having obstructive lung disease”, says Dr de Graaff.

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Asia’s rising demand for disability devices wanting

31/08/2022 0 Comments read Disability, Health & Science

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 31.08.2022 (SciDev.Net): Limited access to assistive technologies such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, mobility and communication devices, affordability and a lack of trained workforce remain significant challenges in meeting the needs of people with disabilities and the elderly in the Asia Pacific region.

According to a 2022 UN report, access to assistive technologies in some low-and middle-income countries is as low as three per cent. Assistive technology is an umbrella term for devices and related services that help users live with greater independence by improving their functioning in daily activities.

Globally, the market for assistive technologies for the disabled and elderly is expected to reach US$60.84 billion by 2028, says a recent study. It is expected to rise fastest in the Asia Pacific region because of the large population base and rising awareness about better healthcare. Continue reading →