New dashboard visualizes progress on assistive technology access and equity in Europe

WHO/Europe has launched a new data dashboard on the European Health Information Gateway, offering easy access to data and evidence related to assistive technology (AT) policies and services. It allows users to explore country-specific information and trends, as part of ongoing efforts to help stakeholders to better understand the AT landscape in Europe and work collaboratively towards achieving equity in access.

AT devices - such as glasses, hearing aids, walking sticks and other devices that support functional limitations in mobility, vision or self-care - profoundly impact lives by promoting independence, enhancing quality of life and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities.

In the WHO European Region, the need for AT is significant and varies widely across countries and population groups. According to data collected through household surveys in several European countries, between 13% and 50% of the population report needing AT. The new dashboard draws on data collected for the Global report on assistive technology, which includes comprehensive information from selected countries in the WHO European Region.

Available data types

The dashboard contains the following types of data:

• key AT progress indicators aimed at measuring access to AT, including governance, legislation, budgets, financing mechanisms, regulations and standards, service provision coverage and workforce availability and training;
• population-level data on the prevalence of need for assistive products by age and residence, including data on population need and use of all 50 products highlighted in the WHO Priority Assistive Product List; and
• barriers to accessing assistive products, satisfaction with assistive products and services, distance to obtain assistive products, and sources and payers of assistive products.

"The Gateway is a one-stop shop for AT resources that will inform decision-makers, AT professionals and users alike about the situation in their country and region. This will ultimately help with better decision-making around AT, effective and evidence-based advocacy on AT, and ensure that citizens in the WHO European Region can better access assistive products throughout their life course, and especially as they age," said Shirin Kiani, Technical Officer for Disability, Assistive Technology, Rehabilitation and Ear/Eye Care at WHO/Europe.

For more information, visit the European Health Information Gateway and explore the AT data dashboard. The full content of the dashboard can be previewed here.