The challenges to accessing assistive technologies among donors, vendors and consumers of assistive technologies in tanzania.

内容摘要

Purpose: This study aimed to analyse the challenges of accessing assistive technology (AT) among donors, vendors, and consumers in Tanzania. Materials and methods: A Mixed study was conducted in Dar-es-Salaam with 207 respondents, including 200 consumers, five donors, and two vendors, selected purposively. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The data were analysed using Microsoft Forms and presented descriptively. Results: Findings revealed that AT is accessed through various channels such as word-of-mouth, social media, radio, television, brochures, and the internet. Some vendors brought products directly to consumers, while others relied on family members to assist with purchases. Despite these strategies, significant barriers exist. These include unreliable market information, price inflation due to middlemen, and issues with product obsolescence when items are not sold promptly. Advertising through media and hiring marketing teams were found to be costly and time-consuming. Additional challenges include the lack of accessible, centralised information, particularly on the locations of persons with disabilities (PWD) and the role of intermediary or "bridge" organisations that delay the process. These issues contribute to a mismatch between supply and demand: either high demand with limited supply or abundant supply with few consumers. Conclusion: The study concludes that existing methods for AT access lack reliable coordination among stakeholders. It further recommends establishing a centralised and coordinated system to improve access to accurate and timely information for all parties involved; donors, vendors, and consumers to ensure efficient and equitable distribution of AT in Tanzania. The paper’s findings imply that rehabilitation needs to integrate AT solutions into its services by addressing significant obstacles, including high cost, limited local expertise and infrastructure, and limited awareness among consumers and vendors. Rehabilitation programs should focus on training both consumers and professionals in AT use, establishing affordable AT supply chains through local production and incentives, and developing policies that support AT access to extend the benefits of therapy beyond the clinical setting and promote greater independence.