Every year on December 3, we recognize the United Nation’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day reminds us of persons with disabilities’ continued barriers to good health. Around the world, 1.3 billion persons with disabilities often struggle to get the care and services they need. Many cannot afford high medical costs, and some services are not accessible or do not provide needed accommodations.
This year’s theme, “From cost to investment: financing health equity for persons with disabilities,” focuses on an important idea: supporting people with disabilities is not a financial burden—it is a smart investment that helps everyone.
To honor this day, the International Disability Alliance and the World Health Organization are hosting a webinar on December 3, 2025. The event will look at how countries pay for health services, why some persons with disabilities are left out, and how to build more inclusive systems.
How This Connects to California
For the over 4.3 million Californians, health equity is more than just doctor visits. It is also about making sure people can communicate, get information, and use technology that supports their daily lives and health needs.
The California Connect program plays a key role in this by providing free assistive technology such as amplified phones, tablets, speech devices, and tools for Californians with Hearing, Vision, Mobility, Speech and Cognitive disabilities. These devices support people in:
Without these assistive technologies, many people would have increased difficulty in managing their health or staying safe in emergencies.
A Model of Disability-Inclusive Investment
California Connect shows what happens when we treat accessibility as a public investment. By removing cost barriers, the program supports more Californians with disabilities to live healthier, more independent and connected.
As the world talks about creating fairer health systems, California offers a real example of how funding accessibility can improve health and equity for everyone.
