Parents and caregivers’ perceptions of assistive technology provision for children with disabilities in rural South India

This study aimed to understand parents’ and caregivers’ perceptions of assistive technology (AT) provision in rural South India. This qualitative descriptive study used semi-structured interviews with parents and caregivers of children who had received AT. Interviews were conducted in Tamil by a bilingual rehabilitation therapist who provided real-time English interpretation and was not involved in the children’s clinical care. Data were collected through audio and video recordings and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach. Eleven participants (nine mothers, one grandmother, and one father) of children aged 4–11 years shared experiences with mobility devices, postural supports, and orthotics. Five themes emerged: (1) utilization and implementation of AT; (2) benefits of AT for mobility, activities of daily living, play, standing, and posture; (3) challenges related to transportation accessibility, safety, and device use; (4) cultural and social influences; and (5) recommendations from parents and caregivers. Participants described positive impacts of AT on children’s daily functioning but identified needs for additional education and training, culturally responsive and tailored interventions, and stronger local collaboration to improve AT provision and support in low- and middle-income settings.