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COUNTRY PAPERS

  1. Bangladesh
  2. Bhutan
  3. Cambodia
  4. China
  5. Fiji
  6. India
  7. Indonesia
  8. Maldives
  9. Myanmar
  10. Nepal
  11. Pakistan
  12. Philippines
  13. Republic of Korea
  14. Sri Lanka
  15. Thailand
  16. Viet Nam



Profile of a Bangladeshi Wheelchair Maker: Paul Rosario

Paul Rosario.


Age: 42 years
Home: Dharenda, Dhaka
Marital status: married with two school-aged children
Education: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from St. Joseph's Technical School, Dhaka
Career: 19 years at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP)
Current post: metal workshop supervisor


Paul started working for the CRP in 1978 and was CRP's first metal worker. Originally, due to the lack of equipment, Paul could only make components for the completion of wheelchairs, the frames of which came from elsewhere. Gradually, as the workshop and staff numbers grew, he increased the range of products until now the list is as follows: wheelchairs (a lightweight model for sports, a heavy 'Motivation' designed model suitable for the local terrain, fixed and folding models and models with commodes all made from locally available materials), low-level trolleys (especially for village women), skeletal/skull traction equipment, calipers, walking frames, crutches, special corsets and collars, and many other special items to meet the needs of individual patients. Nowadays Paul's workshop makes almost every component of every piece of equipment produced. Such is the workshop's output in numbers and quality that mobility devices have been exported to Bhutan.

Paul loves the challenge of design and is very flexible in his approach to his job. Besides the above, Paul's workshop has designed and made many other products of almost every description from candlestick holders and stepladders to playground slides. Although not what you'd expect to come from his workshop, these additional items help to raise income which, in turn, helps to fund the many other activities of the Centre.



Chapter I

BANGLADESH *

* By Mr. Muhammad Abul Hossain, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, Dhaka; and Mr. Anil Kumar Roy, Production Manager, Braille Press and Production of Artificial Limbs, Department of Social Service, Tongi, Gazipur.


Disabilities became a national issue in Bangladesh immediately after the civil conflict of 1971. Thousands of people were maimed during the conflict. Veterans received treatment and artificial limbs from India, the former Soviet Union, and some eastern European countries. People who were born with disabilities saw the effectiveness of artificial limbs for the first time. They realized that new assistive devices could change their life style and enhance their capacity to live independently. A surge followed in the number of artificial limbs imported into Bangladesh by private entrepreneurs and individuals, but these could be used only by those who could afford to buy them. Poor people with disabilities relied on small-scale production, as they had before.

Local NGOs, foreign donors and United Nations agencies have been helpful in establishing the production of assistive devices in Bangladesh.

A. Need for assistive devices

Bangladesh, like many other developing countries, does not have reliable statistics on people with disabilities. Based on World Health Organization (WHO) estimates about the prevalence of disabilities in the world, approximately 12 million out of 120 million people in Bangladesh have a disability. According to the WHO estimates, 3 million people would have speech and hearing impairments, 3.5 million locomotor disabilities and 5.5 million visual impairments. The Government has taken up a project to survey people with disabilities which has not yet begun.

Assistive devices for people with mobility impairments are mainly made locally. These devices are often low in quality. During the past few years, artificial limbs have been produced at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Bangladesh. Some entrepreneurs have produced local designs of wheelchairs, trolleys, tricycles, walkers, calipers, braces and crutches. Well-to-do people can import these devices, as there is no import duty on them. Fifteen per cent of the total demand can be met through imports and donation from developed countries and NGOs. This does not include indigenous production.

Modern assistive devices produced in the country do not meet demand, primarily due to a lack of funds, technological support and skilled personnel.

There is no tax on imported devices. Assistive devices are imported mainly from China, India, Norway, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States. These include many different types of devices.

B. Policy

Bangladesh has a national policy for people with disabilities. A Disabled Welfare Trust and a separate Directorate for people with disabilities will be established. These two institutions will be responsible for improving the situation of people with disabilities. The Trust will be composed of policy-makers and representatives of people with disabilities; the Directorate will be staffed by a specialist on disability issues. One of the main tasks of the Directorate will be to coordinate the production of assistive devices by non-government sources and arrange distribution of the devices produced.

C. Production capacity

At present, the following institutions produce assistive devices in a formal, organized way:

  1. Orthopaedic Hospital, Dhaka;
  2. Centre for the Paralysed;
  3. Braille Press;
  4. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Centre;
  5. Hearing Impaired Centre;
  6. Association of Blind Children (ABC);
  7. National Centre for the Hearing Aid;
  8. National Centre for Special Education;
  9. Jakir White Canes.

About 1,700 pieces are produced every month. Over 200,000 pieces are produced every year in Bangladesh. The following is a list of the number of devices produced:

Item name

Quantity Rate
Wheelchairs 200 $50.00
Crutches 1500 $40.00
Trolleys 100 $50.00
Braces 2000 $40.00
Hearing aids 500 $60.00
Braille books 100,000 $0.50
White canes 100,000 $0.05
Other limbs 5000 $50.00

Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institutions (BSTI) check the quality of products made at the above factories according to international standards. Crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, trolleys and tricycles produced outside factories are not certified by BSTI. There are many workshops in Bangladesh that assemble or manufacture automatic tricycles. These workshops can produce wheelchairs and trolleys.

Mohua Paul, who manages the administration of CRP Bangladesh, in her custom-made CRP wheelchair.

D. Repair and maintenance services

In Bangladesh, workshops repair and maintain several assistive devices. Thousands of rickshaws are produced every year. Rickshaw and tricycle manufacturers have all the facilities, implements and skills needed to repair trolleys and wheelchairs. Many welding, carpentry and vehicle workshops recycle old vehicles into workable ones. These workshops help immensely in repairing assistive devices.

E. Distribution

NGOs sometimes distribute devices, but people with disabilities are often left to obtain them on their own.

F. Technical cooperation

Bangladesh is not capable of providing training to other developing countries. The country will take a long time to meet even a bare minimum of the demand for devices on its own. Other developing countries in the ESCAP region, however, could provide training facilities to Bangladeshi trainers, manufacturers and NGOs, and help Bangladesh to establish institutions for training skilled personnel and to set up sites for producing assistive devices. The country would benefit immensely as a result.



Chapter II

BHUTAN *

* By Mr. Dorji Phub, Programme Manager, Community Based Rehabilitation, Disabled Programme, Health Division, Ministry of Health and Education, Thimphu.


The need for rehabilitation services in remote villages of Bhutan is being met through a new CBR programme. Bhutan's small team of assistive device technicians, trained in Karigiri, India, is a crucial part of those services. A. Need for assistive devices

No surveys have yet been conducted on the total number of people with disabilities in Bhutan. However, a pilot project on community-based rehabilitation (CBR), supported by ESCAP, showed that 9.4 per cent of people in Bhutan have a disability. This would mean that approximately 50,000 to 60,000 people in Bhutan have disabilities.

Devices are obtained through purchases from outside the country and donations. Artificial limbs, braces, crutches and shoes are manufactured within the country, but about 80 per cent of the devices used are imported. The main sources of import are Bangladesh, India and the United States; devices imported are wheelchairs, walkers, trolleys, braillers, low-vision devices, educational devices and hearing aids. The imported devices are purchased as well as donated, and they are exempted from customs duties.

B. Policy

The Royal Government of Bhutan is committed to develop a CBR programme to help people with disabilities in rural areas. This is a priority in the Eighth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002). Devices are distributed (free of cost) based on requisitions from hospitals and health centres. Other than these, there is no policy on assistive devices.

C. Production Capacity

The only centre for assistive devices in Bhutan is one small unit where artificial limbs are produced and repaired. Production capacity is limited due to a lack of trained personnel, as well as technical and financial constraints.

D. Repair and Maintenance

Repair and maintenance are provided by the small artificial limb unit and by workshops.

New efforts are under way to strengthen disability awareness in Bhutan

E. Distribution

Devices are distributed according to requisitions submitted by hospitals and health centres. However, additional supply is made if this distribution does not meet requirements. Since there is only one artificial-limb centre in the country, patients needing prostheses are referred to it.

F. Technology

Technology and materials for producing prostheses are imported from India and other countries. Electric hand tools and electric free-standing machines are used in production. The exact unit cost of these devices is not available, as most of them are donated.

G. Personnel

Bhutan currently has one prosthetist/orthotist and one orthopaedic shoemaker. There are also mechanics, welders and fitters. These personnel are all employed by the Government. The prosthetist/orthotist and the orthopaedic shoemaker were trained outside the country, as no such training is locally available, although there is a plan to establish it.

H. Institutional support

Institutional support is given by Health Services, Ministry of Health and Education.

I. Technical cooperation

Health Services, Ministry of Health and Education of the Royal Government of Bhutan is interested in participating in TCDC exchanges, as a beneficiary of training and technical or financial assistance. Bhutan does not currently have technical expertise to donate, but international cooperation would allow the country's system to develop more fully, and it would be highly appreciated.


Chapter III

CAMBODIA *

* By Mr. Keo Kim Thon, Deputy Director, Department of Rehabilitation, Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Veteran Affairs, Phnom Penh.


A. Need for assistive devices

At the moment, no coordinated information and statistics are available on the overall need for different types of assistive devices in Cambodia. As a result, an accurate figure cannot be given. However, surveys conducted in eight provinces estimate the number of disabled persons to be 122,740. In 1993, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor and Veteran Affairs (MSALVA) estimated the need for assistive devices in the years 1995-1998, shown in Table 1. MSALVA is currently working on new estimates based on more recent statis- tics.

Twenty-one workshops currently provide assistive devices for people with locomotor disabilities in Cambodia. Workshops in Phnom Penh include those run by:

(a) Association to Aid the Refugees Cambodian Committee, which produces wheelchairs;

(b) Cambodia Trust, which provides fitting;

(c) Handicap International, which produces prosthetic feet;

(d) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which produces components for prostheses;

(e) National School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, which provides three-year training;

(f) Veteran International, which provides fitting and produces feet and wheelchairs.

Workshops outside Phnom Penh include those run by:

(g) American Red Cross in Kam Pong Speu province, which provides fitting;

(h) Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugee in Banteay Mean Chei province, which provides fitting;

(i) Cambodia Trust in Sihanoukville and Kam Pong Chang provinces, which provides fitting;

(j) Handicap International, which provides fitting and produces crutches in Siem Reap, Pur Sat, Kam Pong Cham, Kam Pong Thom, Takeo and Kam Pot provinces, runs a National Centre for Paraplegics in Battambang province which also produces wheelchairs, and produces tricycles in Takeo province;

(k) The ICRC in Battambang, which provides fitting;

(l) Jesuit Refugee Services in Kan Dal province, which produces wheelchairs and tricycles and distributes them nationwide;

(m) Veterans International in Stong Treng and Prey Veng provinces, which provides fitting and produces wheelchairs.

Currently, all assistive devices for people with locomotor disabilities are locally produced. No devices are imported through official sources by the Government or NGOs. Some materials used in the production of assistive devices are imported, including polypropylene, aluminium, stainless steel and pelite. These materials are imported by NGOs, which do not pay taxes on them. Some components, including ball bearings and cycle wheels, are also imported. There are currently no duties on import.

There are as yet no official statistics on the need for assistive devices for blind people in Cambodia. There are an estimated 90,000 blind people in Cambodia, according to the World Health Organization.

All braillers in Cambodia are imported from Germany or the Netherlands, from which they are donated. Weaving kits and bamboo walking canes, on the other hand, are locally produced.

Table 1: Need for Devices

Years 1995 1996 1997 1998
Prostheses 5,000 4,000 4,000 3,500
Reparation Prostheses 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000
Crutches 750 500 500 500
Wheelchairs 500 500 500 500
Artificial arms 250 100 100 100
Artificial eyes 250 200 200 150
Orthoses 500 450 400 400

B. Policy

The Royal Government recognizes that using low-cost appropriate technology to produce assistive devices locally will enable the greatest number of people with disabilities to receive assistance. MSALVA has official agreements with NGOs producing assistive devices and promotes a policy of local production as much as possible.

There are currently no national quality-control standards for assistive devices. However, on the recommendations of a special task force, MSALVA has established a Disability Action Council to implement a national rehabilitation plan established for people with disabilities in Cambodia. Standards have been considered in the development of this plan. The Council will include representatives of MSALVA and of local and international NGOs. Its overall goal is to enable the maximum number of disabled persons in Cambodia to receive appropriate support. It will examine all aspects of disability issues, with a particular focus on community-based rehabilitation (CBR). The Council will be involved in standardization matters through its subcommittee on prosthetics, orthotics and assistive devices, and will give advice and orientation at the national level.

C. Production capacity

Table 2 indicates the number of devices produced in the period January-December 1994.

Current workshops primarily provide prostheses, wheelchairs and crutches. However, services to meet other needs such as orthoses, braces and artificial eyes will be developed in the future.

The security situation is a serious limitation on production capacity.

Table 2: Number of Devices Produced

Device Average per month by each workshop Total per year
Prostheses(BK and AK) 32 6896
Crutches(iron and wood) 30 2576
Wheelchairs(iron and wood) 9 1014
Artificial arms 2 24
Artificial eyes 1 8
Orthoses 10 347

D. Repair and maintenance services

Users can receive repair and maintenance services at the workshops where they obtained their assistive devices, or they can go to the nearest workshop in their area, as all prosthetic workshops use similar technology. Wheelchairs can be repaired at carpentry, vehicle and welding workshops.

Brailler repair and maintenance is performed in-house using a repair manual. There are no specially trained repair personnel. Canes and weaving kits are replaced if broken.

E. Distribution

Each workshop in Cambodia is operated in partnership between NGOs and the Government. Each workshop distributes assistive devices directly to people with disabilities. Disabled people can apply to any workshop for an assistive device. There is currently no standardization of criteria or referral system; these will be examined in the development of a national rehabilitation plan.

Assistive devices for blind people are made available through NGOs, hospitals and MSALVA (which distributes glass eyes). Persons needing an assistive device from an NGO must contact an official hospital. The Ministry may provide data of glass eyes it distributes.

F. Technology

Prostheses in Cambodia are made of polypropylene. This material is recyclable and is used for the production of components, including feet. A polypropylene below-knee (BK) prosthesis costs US$53; an above-knee (AK) prosthesis costs US$60. Aluminium and leather, which were formerly used, are no longer used.

Wheelchairs are made either of iron or of wood. Depending on the material, the price of a wheelchair ranges from US$40 to US$85.

Crutches are made with different technologies: elbow crutches, which cost US$9.40 for a pair, are made of iron tube and recycled polypropylene; shoulder crutches, which cost US$3 for a pair, are made of wood. Walking frames are made either of iron or of cane. Orthoses are made using one technology, with stainless-steel joints and polypropylene. At the moment there is no national programme for orthoses. See Table 3 for the cost of prostheses, crutches and walking frames and orthoses. Artificial arms with a hook cost US$49-$75.

Artificial (glass) eyes cost US$15-20. Canes and weaving kits for blind people are produced by local bamboo craftspersons and carpenters. Both of these cost US$2 each.

The types of tools used for production in the country include: ovens, routers, belt sanders, grinding machines, band saws, floor drills, presses, electric cast cutters, electric hand drills, right-angle grinders, electric jigsaws, vacuum pumps, table alignments, injection machines, press machines, stamping and turning machines.

Raw materials indigenous to Cambodia and used in the production of assistive devices include plaster, leather, wood, rubber, bicycle tyres, bicycle inner tubes, bicycle wheel rims, and light gauze bandage.

Please see Table 3 for the types of components made in Cambodia. Some components, including feet and knee joints, are imported. However, the amount of importation is small and the majority of feet and knee joints are produced locally.

Each organization determines its own unit costs. Variations in cost depend on the costs of labour, transportation, materials, machines and maintenance.

Most training dealing with wheelchairs, crutches, braces, prosthetics, orthotics and component parts is on-the-job training.

Table 3: MSALVA/ICRC Orthopaedic Component Production Unit Prosthetic Components List

Prices are quoted for information only.

Prostheses
Reference number Description Price(US$)
1.1-1 Knee joint, size 1 3.60
1.1-2 Knee joint, size 2 3.70
1.1-3 Knee joint, size 3 3.80
1.1-4 Knee joint, size 4 3.90
1.2-1 Knee shell, size 1 1.00
1.2-2 Knee shell, size 2 1.05
1.2-3 Knee shell, size 3 1.10
1.2-4 Knee shell, size 4 1.15
1.3-1 Knee power plate, size 1 0.14
1.3-2 Knee power plate, size 2 0.13
1.3-3 Knee power plate, size 3 0.22
1.3-4 Knee power plate, size 4 0.26
1.4-1 PP-washer, 45mm 0.02
1.4-2 PP-washer, 75mm 0.07
1.5-1 PP knee lock lever 0.07
1.5-3 Knee lock lever axle 0.20
1.6-1 PP bushing (pair) 0.26
1.7-1 Rubber stop bumper(*) 0.18
1.8-1 PP wedges for alignment system 0.08(AK), 0.03(BK)
1.9-1 Belt M6 for knee axle (imported) 0.25
1.9-2 Nut M6 (imported) 0.02
1.9-3 Washer MS (imported) 0.01
1.10-1 Steel tube axle (50cm) 1.22
1.10-2 Steel tube axle (65cm) 1.22
1.10-3 Steel tube axle (70cm) 1.22
1.10-4 Steel tube axle (75cm) 1.22
1.11-1 Knee lock strap(*) 0.18
1.11-2 Extension strap (*) 0.40
1.12-1 Cosmetic calf (left and right), size 1 1.52
1.12-2 Cosmetic calf (left and right), size 2 1.48
1.12-3 Cosmetic calf (left and right), size 3 1.44
1.13-1 PP knee disarticulation stop 1.20
1.13-2 Rubber bumper for KDS (*) 0.40
2.1-1 Steel tube with alignment plate 0.94
2.1-2 Aluminium alignment plate 0.30
2.1-3 PP alignment plate, large size 0.04
2.1-4 PP alignment plate, small size 0.03
3.1-1 PPCAS (PP alignment system) 2.29
3.2-1 PPCAS, concave part 0.37
3.3-1 PPCAS, convex plate 0.22
3.6-1 PPCAS, aluminium washer 45*10, 5*6mm 0.20
4.1-1 PP ankle block, right 0.14
4.1-2 PP ankle block, left 0.14
4.2-1 PP ankle block, long stump 0.07
4.3-1 PP ankle block, Jaipur 0.06
6.2-1 PP wrist, round, thread M12 1.04
6.2-2 PP wrist, oval, M12 1.04
6.2-3 PP wrist, round, thread M10 1.04
6.2-4 PP wrist, oval, M10 1.04
Crutches and walking frames
Reference number Description Price(US$)
7.1-1 Crutches for adults (pair) 9.40
7.1-2 Crutches for children (pair) 9.40
7.3-1 PP edge cover 0.05
7.4-1 Rubber tips (*) 1.00
9.1-1 Walking frame for adult 21.70
9.1-2 Walking frame for child 16.75
8.1-1 Knee joint, drop lock, child 4.00
8.1-2 Knee joint, drop lock, adult 4.10
8.2-1 Knee joint, free motion, version 1 3.50
Upright 1 1.20
Orthoses
Reference number Description Price(US$)
8.2-2 Knee joint, free motion, version 2 2.50
Upright 2 1.40
8.2-3 Knee joint, free motion, version 3 2.40
Upright 3 0.70
8.2-4 Knee joint, free motion, version 4 2.40
Upright 4 0.70
8.2-5 Knee joint, free motion, version 5 2.50
Upright 5 1.50
8.3-1 Knee joint, posterior set 1.50
8.4-1 Knee joint, cover plate, small 0.05
8.4-2 Knee joint, cover plate, big 0.03
8.5-1 Drop lock 0.10

(*) Not manufactured by ICRC.

G. Personnel

Categories of assistive-device technicians in Cambodia include:

(a) Prosthetists/orthotists;
(b) Brace makers (a limited number);
(c) Mobility aid technicians;
(d) Machinists;
(e) Welders;
(f) Fitters.

There is a national school for training in prosthetics and orthotics, a graduate institution which currently conducts three- and one-year courses. This school is recognized by the Royal Government of Cambodia. Twelve students are undertaking three-year courses and eight to ten students are in the one-year courses.

Several NGOs train people, with and without disabilities, to manufacture wheelchairs. Each organization has a different subject curriculum and duration of training. The ICRC provides training in the manufacture of component parts. All of this training is available within Cambodia. All technicians are employed by NGOs and the Government in partnership.

H. Institutional support

The indigenous production and distribution of assistive devices in Cambodia are supported by MSALVA and the NGOs mentioned in Section A. The private sector is not involved.

I. Technical cooperation

Cambodia is not interested in contributing technical assistance or training to a TCDC programme. At this stage, all efforts in Cambodia should be directed to developing technical expertise for Cambodians.

The country is, however, interested in being a beneficiary of a TCDC programme. Greater awareness of the production of low-cost assistive devices appropriate for the cultural, social and economic condition of Cambodia would be helpful, as would greater awareness of the training needs of technicians and personnel who can provide services, training and support to rural areas.

Diagram of Rehabilitation Services.


Chapter IV

CHINA *

* By Mr. Feng Jin Hua, Deputy Director, Development Department, Assistive Device Service Centre, China Rehabilitation Research Centre, Beijing; and Ms. Fang Hui Hua, Associate Chief, Division of Synthetic, Department of Rehabilitation, China Disabled Person's Federation, Beijing.



China has 51.64 million people with disabilities. Eighty per cent of them live in rural areas and more than half of them live in poverty. The quantity of assistive devices needed by people with disabilities is increasing rapidly with economic and social progress. After years of effort, China has reached a high capacity of mass production in manufacturing many assistive devices. An assistive-device service centre, called General Services in Developing and Supplying Aids for Disabled Persons, has been established. Provincial services and local services in all the provinces of China form a nation-wide network of services that is actively promoting work in related fields.

A. Need for assistive devices

A sample survey in China estimates that over 90 per cent of the country's people with disabilities need one or more assistive devices. Meeting this need can be very difficult because of poor variety of designs, low quality of existing products and obstacles in the working of communication and sales networks.

National needs are met mainly through domestic production. Only a small number of items are imported, usually high-technology devices (including some prostheses, hearing aids and components).

B. Policy

China's law stipulates that the relevant government departments should organize and support the research, production, distribution and maintenance of assistive devices. The Government has also allocated funds for this purpose. This has been listed as an item in the Eighth and Ninth Five-Year National Plans. Some related standards have been given from the government viewpoint.

The Government has established a nation-wide assistive-device service organization. The State Tax Bureau has a policy to reduce or relieve taxes on the production and management of wheelchairs, orthoses and prostheses. Some articles are also imported duty-free. Preference in policy is given to the production or import of assistive devices that have passed technical examination.

The National Technological Quality Control Centre for Assistive Devices and Rehabilitation Equipment and the National Standardization Committee for Rehabilitation Equipment and Special Devices have been established in recent years. Some national standards for assistive-device production have been developed.

C. Production capacity

Dozens of specialized manufacturers in China produce assistive devices. Production capacity is increasing and the products have become increasingly sophisticated.

Production capacity is sufficient in terms of quantity, but not technological quality. This is a result of problems relating to management, inefficient production techniques, poorly-trained technical workers, and the incomplete fitting of materials.

Private companies and grassroots workshops have gradually become the main producers of assistive devices.

According to preliminary estimates, China has more than 20 manufacturers producing wheelchairs, with a total yearly output of 100,000 wheelchairs. It has more than 40 factories producing prostheses and orthoses, also with a total yearly output of 100,000 devices. The domestic yearly output of motorized tricycles is about 10,000.

Typical Chinese products and their production costs are listed in Table 1 for reference.

D. Distribution, repair and maintenance

Distribution and maintenance services are provided through a nationwide network of central, provincial and local services. This network has existed for five years and is currently being improved. According to an incomplete investigation from 1993 to 1994, more than 156,000 assistive devices of more than 80 kinds have been provided to people with disabilities through this network. Operation and management of these services is partially supported by the Government.

Sales and maintenance services are provided by medical institutions, rehabilitation facilities, pharmacies and even department stores.

E. Research and development

Research in new types of assistive devices is mainly conducted by the Assistive Device Service Centre. More than 30 kinds of devices have been developed there in the past five years. Technological development is supported by the Government.

Many others, besides this main service network, have been involved in work for people with disabilities. Some universities, research institutions and company technological development units have been conducting research and development in the field of assistive devices.

Some specialized mobile processing workshops receive contracts to produce and repair certain parts of assistive devices.

F. Technology

Organized research in new types of assistive devices has been conducted for only five years in China, so the variety of products is limited. It is estimated that Chinese products include only 25 to 33 per cent of the types recognized in the world. It is difficult to increase this variety in a short period. Technicians lack experience in producing low-cost devices for poor people with disabilities, especially those in the countryside.

Special parts of high-tech prostheses, and core-plates for integrated circuits in some electric devices, must still be imported.

Using an assistive device to fulfil potential

G. Personnel

In recent years, China has started the work to train professionals in the field of assistive devices. They include DS, graduate and undergraduate students in rehabilitation engineering, and students in special technical schools.

After graduating from these schools and being employed by rehabilitation engineering institutions, these professionals will receive on-the-job training including document reading, social investigation, academic activities and on-site practices.

On-the-job training has been developed into a regular course. Research staff and technicians in the Assistive Devices Service Center have received training from foreign experts. Some of them have also been trained abroad. These professionals then provide training to technicians from various parts of China. The Services Center also compiles training materials such as handbooks, product catalogues and videotapes for local professionals and people with disabilities.

The majority of these professionals work for the government. A small percentage works in private companies.

H. Institutional support

Most funding for assistive devices comes from the China Disabled Persons' Federation and the Ministry of Public Administration.

I. Technical cooperation

China hopes to enhance its technical cooperation with other developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region in the area of assistive devices. This cooperation can include normal imports and exports, product exchange and technique exchange, as well as offering parts and elements, fitting services and joint ventures. Some innovative Chinese devices may prove useful in other developing countries of the region. China hopes to obtain knowledge of advanced designs and techniques and the possibility of technical support and technical cooperation.

Table 1: Production Costs of Typical Assistive Devices Made in China

Descriprion Unit cost (US$)
Hearing aid Set 7.3 - 104
Speech training device Set 163 - 1084
Speech training system Set 1908 - 2125
Vision aid Set 5.1 - 18
Magnifying glass Set 4.2 - 11
Foldable white cane Set 3.3 - 5.0
Braille writing board Set 0.9 - 3.6
Braille typewriter Set 110 - 160
Watch for blind people Set 4.8 - 10
Braille poker playing cards Set 1.1 - 4.5
Ordinary wheelchair Set 53 - 111
Children wheelchair Set 66 - 80
Electric wheelchair Set 422 - 1181
Sports wheelchair Set 422 - 480
Hand-driven tricycle Set 76 - 96
Motor tricycle Set 380 - 597
Crutches Set 2.7 - 14
Walking stick Set 1.2 - 6
Elbow crutches Set 7.1 - 8.8
Walking aid rack (walker) Set 25 - 43
Long lower-extremity orthosis Set 85 - 110
Short lower-extremity orthosis Set 51 - 80
Elastic lumbar corset Set 3.5 - 4.5
Above-knee prosthesis Set 181 - 422
Below-knee prosthesis Set 96 - 170
Forearm mechanical Set 147 - 210
Forearm myoelectric-controlled prosthesis Set 2243 - 2500
Excreta-collection chair Set 25 - 40
Excreta seat Set 4.2 - 6.0
Urinal for men Set 2.2 - 3.5
Disposable nappy Piece 0.1 - 0.3
Bed sore-proof Set 4.3 - 47
Lumbar-leg warmer Set 12 - 18
Absorbent bowl Set 1 - 1.5
Pick-up aid Set 5.9 - 8.0
Protective cap for CP Set 5.4 - 7.4
Alarm Set 6.6 - 7.4
Cane pad Set 0.1 - 0.7
Wheelchair table Set 10 - 12
Sexual rahabilitation device Set 5 - 21
Standing training frame Set 48 - 60
Parallel training bars Set 410 - 547
Gait-training stairs Set 729 - 950



Go back to the Contents


ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Production and distribution of assistive devices for people with disabilities: Part 2
- Chapter 1 to 4 -

ST/ESCAP/1774

UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATION
Sales No. E.98.II.F.7
Copyright © United Nations 1997
ISBN: 92-1-119775-9