As per World Health Organisation, Disabilities is a broad term comprising impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. In addition, disability isn’t just a health problem but a complex phenomenon reflecting the interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives. Thus, to some extent, disability, in addition to being a physical limitation, is also a result of not so well designed products and environments.
Universal design can be defined as the design of buildings, products and environments to make them accessible to all people regardless of age, disability or other factors. However, most designs around us are not universal in nature which causes them to be inaccessible to certain groups of people who face disadvantage while using them or are unable to use them at all. Though it is always preferable to have universal designs, it is not always possible to integrate all accessibility features into one design. The result is that certain groups of people such as those with permanent or temporary disabilities, elderly population, etc. are incapable of performing certain tasks.
Hence, there is a need for assistive technology. Any device which makes it easier or possible for someone to use a product or environment, or to perform a task which would otherwise be impossible or at least more difficult is termed as an Assistive Device. 3 Most Assistive Devices are focussed in aiding a person to perform what is known as Activities of Daily Life.