Smartphones consolidate multiple assistive functions. Demand for smartphones across LMICs is increasing, primarily driven by increasing smartphone affordability and mobile internet penetration, but access is lagging for persons with disabilities. In absence of government programmes, persons with disabilities rely on NGOs or private channels for access. Experts point at multiple opportunities to overcome these challenges, primarily through a stronger focus on policy reform, public-private partnerships and targeted digital literacy programmes to enhance smartphone access as an AT.
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