Market Trends of Global Disability Devices Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Disability Devices Market according to our research experts:
Mobility Aids Segment is Expected to Hold a Major Market Share in the Disability Devices Market
By device type, the mobility aids segment is expected to hold a major share of the market. A mobility aid is a device designed to assist in walking or otherwise improve the mobility of people with a mobility impairment. There are a variety of walking aids available to assist people with impaired walking ability, as well as wheelchairs or mobility scooters for more severe disabilities or longer journeys that would otherwise be undertaken on foot. The types of mobility devices available in the market include canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers, among others types of mobility devices.
The factors boosting the growth of this segment in the market are the increasing number of product launches as well as the rising number of initiatives along with the growing burden of disability worldwide. For instance, as per an October 2020 update by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 1 in 6 (18%) people in Australia, or about 4.4 million people, have a disability.
In addition, in June 2021, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched global mobility aids action group to examine and improve the transport journey of mobility aids, including wheelchairs, to improve the handling of such devices for travelers with disabilities. Furthermore, research and development are contributing to the segment's growth. For instance, in August 2021, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, India, developed India's first indigenous motorized wheelchair vehicle that can be used not only on roads but even on uneven terrain. Moreover, several market players are also engaged in the implementation of strategic initiatives, thereby contributing to the segment's growth. For instance, in August 2021, Invacare Corporation announced the launch of the Invacare AVIVA STORM RXT power wheelchair, establishing a new standard for rear-wheel-drive power mobility.
Thus, due to the above-mentioned developments, the segment is expected to witness growth over the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market and Expected to do Same in the Forecast Period
Within North America, the United States is expected to hold a significant market share. This can be attributed to factors such as well-established healthcare infrastructure, the growing burden of the disabled population, as well as strategic initiatives undertaken by the market players. For instance, as per an August 2021 article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 4 United States adults between 18 to 64 years of age has a disability. These are adults with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs, hearing; seeing; concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Thus, this indicates a significant demand for disability devices in the country.
Furthermore, according to a White House update from February 2022, the Administration recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on disabled people and has resulted in new members of the disability community. The Administration has collaborated and consulted with the disability community and taken several key actions to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Moreover, in August 2021, Bose launched the new SoundControl Hearing Aids, the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared, direct-to-consumer hearing aid developed for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Such launches are expected to further contribute to the market's growth.
Thus, due to the above-mentioned developments, the market is expected to witness significant growth.
