Lessons learnt from the multi country rapid Assistive Technology Assessment rATA survey

On 28 and 29 March, the WHO Assistive technology team hosted a meeting in Geneva to review the methodology, outcome and dissemination of the WHO rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) survey and plan for further strengthening this important data collection tool.

The rATA is a population-based household survey that measures the self-reported need, demand, and barriers to accessing assistive technology. A global data collection effort from 2019 to 2021 saw the implementation of rATA in 35 countries and informed the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology published in May 2022.

The meeting brought together 28 stakeholders from 18 countries who were involved in the development, delivery, and analysis of rATA data. Participants discussed their experience and learnings from rATA data collection and together identified priority actions to improve the questionnaire, increase efficiency in rATA implementation, better support country implementation, strengthen data management and analysis, and increase dissemination of rATA results.

Investing in effective and efficient assistive technology data collection is key to being able to inform evidence-based policies and programs, measure progress in improving access to good quality assistive products and services, and ultimately ensure equitable access to assistive technology for everyone in need.

The Assistive technology team thank all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions. Warm thanks also to our Collaborating Centre, the Global Disability Innovation Hub for their support of this meeting. The meeting’s outcome will inform next steps for further development of rATA through the GATE Global Network on Measuring Access to Assistive Technology.