The assistive technology (AT) market thrives globally, but access remains deeply unequal. High-income regions like North America and Western Europe enjoy widespread availability of cutting-edge devices, while low-income areas—home to 80% of people with disabilities—struggle with limited options and high costs. This disparity is a critical issue, as AT access directly impacts education, employment, and independence. Yet, the market is actively working to bridge these gaps, with innovations and partnerships driving progress.

Regional challenges vary. In sub-Saharan Africa, limited healthcare infrastructure makes it hard to distribute AT devices, while in Southeast Asia, cultural stigma sometimes discourages their use. Economic barriers are universal: a basic wheelchair costs $200 in the U.S., but up to $500 in parts of Africa due to import taxes and logistics. To address this, firms are localizing production. For example, a Kenyan startup now manufactures wheelchairs using recycled materials, cutting costs by 40% and creating jobs.

Global initiatives are amplifying these efforts. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 10) emphasize reducing inequality, pushing governments to prioritize AT in development plans. NGOs like the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) are training local technicians to repair and maintain devices, extending their lifespan. The Assistive Technology Market report highlights these strategies, including data on regional access rates and the impact of localization on affordability.

While progress is slow, the market’s commitment to equity is strengthening. Partnerships between Western manufacturers and local firms are spreading, and funding for community-based AT programs is increasing. As these efforts scale, the dream of universal AT access grows closer—ensuring that no one is excluded from the tools they need to thrive, regardless of geography or income.