ADIP and Getting Assistive Devices

How the government's ADIP scheme provides free or subsidised aids and appliances, and other ways to fund assistive devices.

Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids and prosthetic limbs, can be life-changing but expensive. India’s main government programme for providing them is the ADIP scheme.

What ADIP is

ADIP stands for Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase and Fitting of Aids and Appliances. It has run since 1981 and is managed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Under ADIP:

People with disabilities from lower-income families get aids free of cost, and those with somewhat higher incomes get them at half cost, based on income limits set by the scheme.
Devices include tricycles, wheelchairs, crutches, artificial limbs, hearing aids, braille kits, smart canes, and in some cases motorised tricycles and cochlear implants for young children.
Devices are often distributed at camps held in districts across India.

Who provides the devices

The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, known as ALIMCO, a public sector company, manufactures many devices and organises camps. National institutes, district disability rehabilitation centres and approved NGOs also deliver the scheme.

How to apply

Attend an assessment camp, or apply through a district disability rehabilitation centre or approved agency.
Bring your disability certificate or UDID card, income proof and identity documents.
Some devices have limits on how often you can get a replacement.

Other funding sources

State schemes: many states run their own aid programmes.
Corporate social responsibility: companies often fund devices through NGOs.
Charities and trusts.
Tax deductions, such as 80DD, for families buying devices.
GST: many assistive devices attract a lower GST rate, reducing their cost.

The district camp

A farmer's son lost a leg in an accident. The family hears about an ALIMCO camp at the district hospital. He is assessed, measured and, a few weeks later, fitted with an artificial limb at no cost, because the family's income is below the scheme limit. He returns to school walking.

Thinking government devices are always low quality

Quality varies, but many ADIP devices are standard models that serve users well. Users can ask about options, and charities may help with upgrades where needed.

Key takeaways

ADIP provides free or half-cost aids to people with disabilities based on income.
ALIMCO manufactures devices and runs assessment camps.
Bring the UDID card, income proof and ID to apply.
State schemes, CSR, charities and tax relief are other funding sources.