The AccessAbilities Expo 2024 commenced on Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with over 250 exhibitors from 50 countries showcasing the latest assistive technologies and rehabilitation practices for people with disabilities.
India is participating in the Expo through its Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, represented by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a public sector undertaking under the ministry. ALIMCO has set up a comprehensive stall featuring state of the art equipment catering to the needs of persons with disabilities.
ALIMCO, in collaboration with leading Indian research institutions such as IITs, ISRO, DRDO, and CIPET, is looking to expand its presence in the MENA region. Its product lineup includes motorized tricycles, manual and motorized wheelchairs, hearing aids, mobility aids, and artificial limbs, all offered at competitive prices under the vision of promoting “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Local for Global.”
Incorporated in 1972, ALIMCO has more than five decades of experience in serving people with disabilities through the flagship schemes ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) and Rastriya Vayoshri Yojna , under the Ministry of Social Justice. With 19 products bearing BIS certification, ALIMCO manufactures over 264 variants of assistive devices, making it the largest organized manufacturer in the rehabilitation sector in India.
The corporation recently completed a modernization project worth USD 45 million, which has significantly boosted its production capacity by more than 2.5 times while maintaining consistent quality.
The AccessAbilities Expo, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent, offers over 4,500 assistive technologies globally. Products empowering individuals with physical, visual, auditory, intellectual disabilities, and autism are on display, with many exhibited for the first time in the Middle East.
However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that only one in ten people who need assistive technology have access to it due to high costs, insufficient trained staff, and lack of awareness.
A “Youth Circle” session, organized by the Dubai Youth Council, will also discuss “Accessible Tourism” and Dubai’s efforts to become a top tourist destination for people with disabilities.
-Vinod Kumar (UAE)