The resolution on improving access to assistive technology (WHA71.8) urges all Member States  to improve access to assistive technology and requests the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a Global Report on Assistive Technology based on the best available scientific evidence and international experience. The resolution also requests WHO Secretariat to submit progress reports in 2022, 2026 and 2030 to communicate the progress made by the Member States in implementing the resolution. 

In response to these requests, WHO has undertaken a global initiative to measure access to assistive technology at the population and system level between April 2019 and December 2021. The data were collected using two WHO tools:

• Assistive technology population access indicators, a population-based household survey that measures self-reported use, need, met need, and barriers to accessing assistive technology.
• Assistive technology progress indicators, a government survey measuring system preparedness in terms of governance; legislation; public budget; financing mechanisms; regulations and standards; collaborations and initiatives; service provision coverage; workforce availability; and training.