A Study on the Prevalent Disability Types and Assistive Technology Devices among the Disabled Population in Oman

The current technologies have drastically changed the way how humans interact in their daily lives. The technologies are now ubiquitous but somehow the technologies have not been able to make an impact in the world of disability as expected. This research work is part of UTAS initiative to explore and invent novel assistive technologies that are relevant for locomotor challenged individuals. The work comprises an extensive literature survey that involves Oman's healthcare sector information. The main aim has been to analyze and assess the types of disabilities that are most prominent in Oman. Our work is a sort of survey paper on the more general as well as specific types of disabilities prevailing among Sultanate of Oman's population and underlying physical challenges. We analyze various surveys, white papers, and government manuals related to disability in Oman. We are keen on the statistical data on disability as it will allows in focusing our research directly on the specific needs of disabled. The data so collected sheds vital insights into how disability is being tackled and what technologies are currently in usage. This work also ropes in caregivers and try to ascertain their views on the type of devices and facilities they view as essential for the daily upkeep of the disabled person. We also surmise the integration of assistive technology (AT) with the Internet of Things [IoT] and how such contraptions can help in alleviating the physical discomfort faced by a locomotor-challenged person. Finally, in the end, a thorough recommendation and suggestions shall be offered to mitigate such issues as well as an overview of the future work with respect to the work packages of the theme of the project.