This research note lays out key ways in which the energy access stakeholders, particularly those that that are involved in enhancing access to off-grid appropriate appliances in resource constrained environments, can make their interventions disability-inclusive.

Globally, more than one billion people need one or more assistive products, which help them to lead a healthy and productive life. However, reports suggest that 90% of people who require assistive products lack access to them. People with disabilities are disproportionately represented in low-income countries, and particularly in low-income households. This geographical concentration of people with disabilities in low resource settings intersects with the focus of energy access practitioners.

In general, there is a need for greater innovation in assistive products so they are off-grid appropriate and can be seamlessly integrated within existing solar home systems or mini-grids in off- and weak-grid environments.

We have also created a checklist for both energy access programmes and off-grid appliance manufacturers to ensure they address the needs of people with disabilities. Read the checklist here