The National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies, IIT Madras (NCAHT-IITM), inaugurated on 19 June 2023, is an initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and implemented by the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras. The centre is a showcase centre and experience zone that enables R&D in AT. The centre envisages user empowerment by showing the possibilities through technology, minimising unconscious bias in the minds of engineers/AT developers, policymakers, general public and paving the way for better AT solutions and policies. This centre will act as a platform for user-developer and user-policymaker interactions and, at the same time, serve as a training resource for AT and rehab professionals and NGOs.

Assistive Technology (AT) experience zone 

The experience center envisages user empowerment by showcasing the possibilities through technology and minimizing unconscious bias in the minds of engineers/AT developers, policymakers, and the general public. Furthermore, the interactions can pave the way for better AT solutions and policies.

AT capacity building center

Regular training activities at multiple levels are a part of the capacity-building center. Wheelchair Skills Training programs educate wheelchair users to choose and use devices appropriately, how to navigate steps, get onto an auto/bus/train, repair their device, etc. As part of the virtual skills lab, a repository of video resources are available (Touch Freedom, in collaboration with the Ganga Foundation), displaying wheelchair skills for users worldwide. 

Innovation hub 

To promote the development of user-centric design and entrepreneurship. The center is developing newer versions of a sit-to-stand and walking device named ‘Saathi’ for children with cerebral palsy. In addition, development of a lightweight wheelchair and an upgraded version of a swimming pool lift is in progress. 

Open innovation portal 

An online portal is a part of NCAHT-IITM with well-curated open-source designs and problem statements from academia, students, and innovators with a vision to assist users in fabricating devices locally.

AT policy/best practice research and guideline drafting

The goal is to roll out well-thought-out policies enabling users and AT developers to benefit the ecosystem. The aim is to create a knowledge base of best practices and AT policies to constantly be at the forefront of AT innovation, development, and provisioning. 

Collaborations

• IIT Madras Research Park

• Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

• Centre for Assistive Technology and Innovation (CATI), NCAHT, National Institute of Speech and Hearing, Trivandrum

• Saksham

• The Ganga Foundation

• Global Disability Innovation Hub

• Sports 4 All: One-of-a-kind adapted sports carnival.

• Makeathon: a collaborative innovation event for AT was organized as part of Shaastra'23.

• Wheelchair Skills Training

• Dissemination Workshop