YOUR QUESTION. A CLEARER NEXT STEP.
What is the ADIP scheme for assistive devices and who qualifies?
The ADIP scheme is a Government of India initiative that provides assistive devices — wheelchairs, hearing aids, mobility and communication aids — free or at subsidised cost to people with disabilities, including children. Qualification generally requires a certified disability of 40% or more, with subsidy linked to family income. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
In this answer 5 sections
When a child needs a wheelchair, hearing aid or communication device, the ADIP scheme can put that support within reach — often at little or no cost to your family.
In short
The ADIP scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances) is a Government of India scheme run by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. It provides assistive devices free of cost or at a subsidised rate to people with disabilities — including children — so they can move, hear, communicate and learn more independently. To qualify, a child usually needs a disability of 40% or more certified by a medical authority, with the level of subsidy linked to family income.
What ADIP provides and who qualifies
ADIP can fund a wide range of aids depending on a child's need — for example:
- Mobility aids — wheelchairs, walkers, callipers, crutches, special seating and corrective footwear.
- Hearing and communication aids — hearing aids, and in some cases speech-supporting devices.
- Visual aids — Braille kits, low-vision devices and learning tools.
- Aids for learning and daily living — devices that support education and everyday independence.
Who qualifies (broad eligibility):
- An Indian citizen with a certified disability of 40% or more (a disability certificate from a competent medical authority).
- Children are fully covered — there is no minimum age for many devices.
- Subsidy depends on family income — children from lower-income families typically receive the device entirely free, with partial subsidy for higher income bands (income limits are revised periodically, so do confirm the current figures).
- A medical/clinical prescription identifying the correct device is usually needed.
Devices are typically distributed through ALIMCO, government hospitals, and registered implementing agencies via assessment camps and centres.
How to begin
Start by getting your child a disability certificate and a clinical recommendation for the specific device. A developmental or rehabilitation assessment helps identify exactly which aid will help — the right device, correctly fitted, makes all the difference to a child's progress.
The Pinnacle way
AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an app or online form. Our clinicians can map your child's developmental and functional needs through a structured AbilityScore® assessment, recommend the right assistive support, and guide you on the documentation that strengthens an ADIP application. Explore how speech and communication support and our wider family support and resources work together around your child.
Trusted sources
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India — ADIP scheme (assistive aids and appliances); Rehabilitation Council of India — guidance on disability certification and rehabilitation services; WHO — guidance on assistive technology and child development.
Next step — Want help understanding which assistive device fits your child and how to apply? Talk to a Pinnacle clinician.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
Watch whether your child's current aid still fits and supports them as they grow — children outgrow wheelchairs, callipers and hearing settings, and ADIP can support replacements when a fresh clinical recommendation confirms the need.
In everyday life
Keep a single folder with your child's disability certificate, income certificate, photographs and clinical recommendations — having these ready makes ADIP camps and applications far smoother.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
Does my child have to pay for devices under ADIP?
Often not. Children from lower-income families typically receive devices entirely free, while higher income bands receive a partial subsidy. The exact income limits are revised periodically, so confirm the current figures with the implementing agency.
What disability level is needed to qualify for ADIP?
Generally a certified disability of 40% or more, documented through a disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority. A clinical recommendation for the specific device is usually also required.
Where are ADIP devices distributed?
Devices are typically provided through ALIMCO, government hospitals, and registered implementing agencies, often via assessment and distribution camps held in different districts.
Can ADIP help with hearing aids or communication devices?
Yes — ADIP covers a range of aids including hearing aids and, in some cases, speech-supporting and learning devices, depending on your child's assessed need and the device list in force.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Organisation website · further readingWHO — assistive technology and child development
- Organisation website · further readingRehabilitation Council of India — disability certification & rehabilitation
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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FROM UNDERSTANDING TO PURPOSEFUL SUPPORT
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- 4Carry practice into everyday life
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- 5Track and correct
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General information supports a conversation with an appropriately qualified professional. Advice, goals and support depend on the individual child.