Policy Impact on Assistive Technology
United Kingdom Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA)
The United Kingdom Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) is a project funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the goal of evaluating access to assistive technology (AT) in the UK. The project involves an interviewer-administered household survey to gather data, which will serve as a baseline for understanding global AT access in the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT). Despite the pressing global need for improved AT access, there is a lack of systematically collected data in many countries to highlight this need. The GReAT initiative aims to address this gap by encouraging coordinated efforts to collect data on AT need and unmet need. The rATA was conducted in the UK between March and June 202, and the results will be shared once published by the WHO. The survey’s completion is acknowledged, and the hope is that the gathered data will contribute to a global impact on addressing AT needs.
Globally, the rATA is a household survey was conducted globally from 2019 to 2021, measuring self-reported need, demand, and barriers to accessing assistive technology (AT). Implemented in 35 countries, its data informed the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology in May 2022.
References
Measuring access to assistive technology using the WHO Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) questionnaire in the United Kingdom.
Healy, A., Chockalingam, N., Dakin-Poole, E. and Sinclair, J., 2022. ICCHP-AAATE 2022 Open Access Compendium" Assistive Technology, Accessibility and (e) Inclusion" Part II.
Ankle Foot Orthoses: Standardisation of terminology.
Eddison N, Chockalingam N. Foot (Edinb). 2021 Mar;46:101702. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2020.101702. Epub 2020 May 22.
AT need and capacity in England
Between November 2022 to March 2023, the GDI Hub, in collaboration with various stakeholders conducted an extensive England Country Capacity Assessment of access to assistive technology (AT) using WHO tools and a methodology encompassing literature review, a 7,000-person survey, and focus groups/interviews with AT users and providers. We were a part of this collaborative group to deliver on this initiative. Key findings revealed that while some services provide quality AT products positively impacting lives, provision overall is highly fragmented, lengthy, stressful, and constrained by staff shortages and funding issues across health, education, and social care. 31% of disabled people lack needed AT access. Though pockets of excellence exist, recommendations to cultivate change include setting national AT leadership and strategy, investing in a collaborative AT Hub and workforce development, incentivizing coordinated delivery, and building repair capacity. Together these improvements can streamline equitable, holistic AT provision so more disabled people obtain essential products enabling their full participation and independence in daily life.
Assistive Technology Changes Lives: an assessment of AT need and capacity in England; Cabinet Office
Austin, V, Patel, D, Danemayer, J, Mattick, K, Landre, A, Smitova, M, Bandukda, M, Healy, A, Chockalingam, N, Bell D, and Holloway, C; Assistive Technology Changes Lives: an assessment of AT need and capacity in England; Cabinet Office, HMG; 2023