When we talk about accessibility, we often think of ramps, screen readers, or mobility aids. But what happens when the very tools designed to help people live with dignity are completely out of reach? That was the heart of our conversation at the June edition of Dis-Ability Conversations, where we explored the question:
Why are assistive devices and services still so expensive and what can we do about it?
Our guests, Ms. Emmanuella, COO of Accesstech Innovation, and Mrs. Ayodele, a mother raising a child with cerebral palsy, shared hard truths from both sides: the makers and the users.
Personal Need, Powerful Solutions
For Mrs. Emmanuella, the journey into assistive tech wasn’t just business—it’s personal. Her husband lives with a visual impairment, and she’s seen first-hand how access to technology empowers people with disabilities to be productive, earn a living, and contribute to their families and communities.That’s what led to the creation of Accesstech Innovation, a company providing tools like mobility canes, software, and learning aids for individuals with visual impairments. But as she shared, there’s still a long way to go. Most of these products aren’t made in Nigeria because local production is too expensive and under-supported. Even now, their white canes are still produced in China.
When Tools Don’t Exist
For Mrs. Ayodele, the struggle was painfully familiar. Her son, who lives with cerebral palsy, spent an entire year indoors — not because of his condition, but because they couldn’t find a wheelchair that fit him properly.
They tried. Vendors offered “cerebral palsy chairs,” but nothing matched his needs. It wasn’t until another parent who had a child with the same condition found a working model and began custom fabrication, that hope returned. This experience led them to connect with other parents, and start solving the problem themselves.
But this isn’t how it should be. As Mrs. Ayodele put it, “We’re not where we were, but we still have rivers to cross.”
The Gaps Are Real
Both speakers agreed: we’re in what experts call an Assistive Technology Famine. There’s demand, but not nearly enough supply, especially supply that’s designed well, locally made, and affordable.
And the reasons go deeper than just price:
- Lack of trained professionals to design and build assistive devices
- Limited access to materials that are durable, attractive, and cost-effective
- No clear policies or incentives to support innovation or local production
- Dependence on grants or international backing, rather than scalable systems
Where Do We Go From Here?
The conversation didn’t stop at the problem, it focused on real, doable solutions:
- Short-term: Provide subsidies to reduce the cost of devices for families
- Mid-term: Remove import duties on assistive tech
- Long-term: Invest in local production, training, and policies that enable growth
And maybe most powerfully, support grassroots innovation.
We heard stories of parents like Mrs. Ayodele crafting DIY sandals for her son’s flat feet. We talked about the need for community fabrication hubs, where people doing the work can connect, learn, and build at scale.
Because as Mrs. Emmanuella said, “The more we manufacture, the more assistive tech becomes available. And the more it’s available, the more it becomes affordable.”
Final Thoughts
This conversation reminded us that accessibility is more than a checklist. It’s about systems, people, creativity, and support.
If we want a truly inclusive society, we have to stop waiting for “solutions from abroad” and start investing in the innovators and communities already doing the work.
We’re thankful to everyone who showed up for this session and even more thankful to those who will keep showing up, long after the livestream ends.
If you missed it, here’s the replay
Written by Hamdallah Dolapo
For the Dis-Ability Conversations Team
KTC-KYC Educational Consult & Academy Ltd.
