Model development of assistive technology centers in Thailand

Background: There is approximately 2.85% of the population or about 1.8 million people living with disabilities in Thailand. 12% of those need assistive devices for their daily life. Methods: The Assistive Technology Centers (AT) were established in eleven health institutions with financial support by the National Health Security Office (NHSO). In the first year, staff training and infrastructure were prepared. Devices provided by the AT centers mainly are mobility devices including wheelchairs, walking aids, cushions, and white canes. Service provision was started in the second year of the project. Results: Eleven assistive technology centers have been developed as a network which can cater for the needs of disabled people in all regions of Thailand. 68.0% of clients were people with mobility disabilities. Wheelchairs were provided to clients at the highest number (68.4%). Clients' satisfaction level for the services was 72.1%. Conclusion: The model development of assistive technology centers illustrates a new innovation of assistive device provision in Thailand which provide services in the specialized field.