Methodology

The report focuses on five assistive products: wheelchairs, prostheses, spectacles, hearing aids and digital AT (including augmentative and alternative communication, screen readers and smartphones), selected for their high demand in LMICs.

The report is organized into sections:

In addition, it includes three annexes:

The methodology of this report includes a combination of primary and secondary data collection. Primary data were obtained through structured interviews and surveys with global AT providers such as UNICEF, NGOs, corporate foundations, implementing partners and ministries in various countries. These included over 50 key informant interviews with stakeholders across various LMICs to understand procurement practices, demand trends and price components of supply. A survey was conducted in the selected 12 countries, targeting government representatives, to gather official information on procurement, cost and financing of assistive products.

Where exact data were unavailable, proxy values were used based on similar products or regions and validated through consultation with suppliers and practitioners. All cost estimates were standardized to a percentage of the ex-factory price of the product. This approach enables a comparative view of where costs are concentrated within the supply chain and highlights opportunities for efficiency gains or price reductions through pooled procurement, local production or policy reforms.