Impact in Asia

Quantifying Torchit’s Impact Across Asia

Torchit’s journey in Asia has been marked by rapid distribution and growing influence. The company has distributed over 50,000 devices, with both Saarthi and Jyoti proving to be game-changers in countries including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Through partnerships with government agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions, Torchit has been able to distribute these devices even in remote and underserved communities.

In India, which is home to nearly 40 million visually impaired individuals, Torchit has made a significant impact with the deployment of over 35,000 devices across urban and rural areas. The introduction of Jyoti in particular has had profound effects in Bangladesh, where 5,000+ Jyoti devices have been distributed in partnership with local organizations, offering low-vision individuals access to assistive technology that was previously unavailable.

Impact Metrics

Torchit’s work is supported by quantifiable data from field studies, surveys, and impact assessments conducted across Asia. Key metrics include:

50,000+ devices distributed across Asia, with 35,000 in India alone.
80% of users report increased confidence in navigating public spaces with Saarthi and Jyoti, enabling them to engage in educational and social activities independently.
65% reduction in navigation-related incidents among users of Saarthi, proving its practical efficacy in busy and high-traffic areas.
75% of Jyoti users report improved daily functionality, stating they feel more comfortable performing everyday tasks with reduced reliance on family members.

These metrics demonstrate the significant impact of Saarthi and Jyoti on the lives of PWDs, especially in urban areas where navigating crowded streets can be particularly challenging.

Over One Billion are in need of Two Billion Assistive Technology

Partnering for Greater Reach and Impact

Torchit has partnered with over 50 local organizations, including disability rights groups, government agencies, and advocacy groups, to ensure its products reach the communities that need them most. These collaborations have been instrumental in Torchit’s ability to distribute both Saarthi and Jyoti devices across multiple countries in Asia, ensuring the technology is adapted and available at the local level.

Notable partnerships include:

National Association for the Blind (NAB) in India – Through this partnership, Torchit has distributed 20,000 devices across Indian states, addressing mobility challenges for individuals in urban centers and rural areas alike.
Blind People’s Association (BPA) in Nepal – BPA’s collaboration with Torchit has facilitated the distribution of 3,500 devices in Nepal, a country with limited access to assistive technology.
Bangladesh Protibandhi Foundation (BPF) – BPF helped Torchit distribute 5,000+ Jyoti devices in Bangladesh, making a meaningful difference for the visually impaired in a country where accessibility is often limited.

A Sustainable Model for Accessibility

Torchit’s success in Asia is rooted in a sustainable model focused on affordability, education, and community involvement. The company’s efforts are geared not just toward distributing devices but also ensuring that these devices are impactful and empowering in the long term.

Affordability and Accessibility

Torchit has tackled the affordability issue by designing devices with low production costs, allowing them to be sold at a fraction of the price of imported alternatives. Saarthi and Jyoti are both priced to be accessible to low-income individuals, with subsidies offered through partnerships with NGOs and government programs. This model ensures that assistive technology is available to individuals across the socioeconomic spectrum.

Training and Education

To maximize the benefits of its devices, Torchit emphasizes user training and education. In partnership with local organizations, Torchit has provided over 7,000 hours of training to ensure users understand how to use Saarthi and Jyoti effectively. These training sessions cover device handling, safety protocols, and troubleshooting, fostering confidence and independence among users.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Torchit’s work extends beyond device distribution to advocate for policy changes that support disability rights and accessibility. By working with government agencies, local NGOs, and community leaders, Torchit promotes disability awareness and contributes to creating a more inclusive society. Torchit has launched awareness campaigns that have reached 500,000+ individuals, helping to shift social perceptions and reduce stigma around disability in Asia.

Recognitions and Awards

Torchit’s contributions have been widely recognized, underscoring its role as a trailblazer in assistive technology. Awards and honors include:

National Entrepreneurship Award (Government of India) – This award celebrates Torchit’s contribution to social entrepreneurship and innovation in accessibility.
Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award – Torchit was honored for aligning with Gandhian values by providing affordable and inclusive solutions for the visually impaired.
Global Impact Award for Assistive Technology – Torchit’s impact on disability inclusion across Asia was recognized with this international award, cementing its role as a leader in the field.

Future Plans: Scaling Torchit’s Impact Across Asia

Torchit’s achievements in Asia lay a strong foundation for its future goals, which include:

Expanding Reach to 100,000+ Devices by 2025 – Torchit plans to scale up its distribution of Saarthi and Jyoti, particularly targeting underserved rural communities and low-income areas.
Developing Additional Assistive Devices – Torchit is investing in research and development to address a broader range of disabilities, including mobility, communication, and learning aids.
Local Production Hubs – Torchit is exploring the establishment of local production facilities in key regions to reduce costs, increase accessibility, and support regional economies.
Increased Advocacy and Awareness Efforts – Torchit will continue its outreach efforts, advocating for disability-friendly policies and promoting societal inclusion through campaigns and partnerships.