Through this study, we seek to gain insights into ways in which access to mobile phones impacts the quality of life of PwDs including their education and employment as well as psychosocial aspects such as communication, social relationships, confidence, and self-esteem and independence (or, reduced dependence) in their everyday living.

The project will also try to understand if, and how, mobile phones are substituting/complementing other forms of assistive technology (AT), i.e., if the mobile phone is used instead of other ATs or in combination with them and in which situations. Through this study, we will also try to identify ways in which PwDs can be supported in acquiring digital skills that may allow them to make better use of their mobile phones. The study will also look to explore the feasibility and sustainability of initiatives that seek to increase access to mobile phones for people with disabilities, who may benefit from its use as an AT. The project aims to recruit up to a maximum of 500 persons with disabilities in India, spread across those classified as blind or low vision and those classified as deaf or hard of hearing.

We work with disabled people’s organizations and other field-level agencies working with the aforesaid user groups, such as Vision Empower, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, WinWinaya Foundation, and Enable India, to identify and enroll appropriate participants for the study.