The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), celebrated annually on December 3rd, emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive and sustainable societies where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” by the United Nations, is not only timely but also crucial in recognizing the invaluable contributions of persons with disabilities. In line

Every November, people around the world come together to celebrate National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM). This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking down stigmas, and empowering individuals living with epilepsy. Organized by the Epilepsy Foundation, this year’s theme, “Share Your Purple Power,” focuses on celebrating the resilience, courage, and unwavering strength of epilepsy warriors, as well as the dedication of their families, caregivers, and advocat

For more than forty years, Erik Kondo has dedicated himself to improving personal mobility for himself and for others using manual wheelchairs. His journey began in 1984 when he became a wheelchair user, igniting a lifelong commitment to advocate for innovative and adaptable wheelchair solutions. Through his experience, Kondo has championed an important mission: wheelchairs should not be seen merely as medical equipment but as essential tools for enabling independence and mob

Every October, the United States observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a national initiative aimed at advancing the value of a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities. Established in 1945, NDEAM seeks to challenge misconceptions about disability in the workplace, raise awareness, and most importantly, foster inclusion by creating environments where everyone can thrive. The Importance of Employment for People with Disabilities Employ

This year's World Occupational Therapy Day theme, "Occupational Therapy for All," emphasizes the need to make therapeutic services accessible and inclusive for everyone. It highlights the essential role occupational therapists play in empowering individuals of all ages and backgrounds to overcome daily challenges, thrive in their environments, and lead fulfilling lives. One person who embodies this mission is Dave Calver, a dedicated occupational therapist and the co-founder

This year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to confront the structural inequalities that perpetuate poverty in our societies. The United Nations theme this year, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies,” pushes us to examine a pervasive form of social and institutional maltreatment: the intersection of poverty and disability. At the heart of th

World Mental Health Day is a reminder of the importance of mental health in our everyday lives. It is a day to reflect on the struggles of those living with mental health conditions, to stand in solidarity with them, and to advocate for better mental health services. But today, I want to turn the spotlight on a group whose mental health often goes overlooked: persons with disabilities/wheelchair users. The Overlooked Struggles of Wheelchair Users Living in a world that is no

According to World Cerebral Palsy Day, this year’s theme for World Cerebral Palsy Day is #UniquelyCP. This theme shines a light on the distinct qualities that make every person with cerebral palsy (CP) extraordinary. It is a call to celebrate their resilience, courage, and ability to face life’s challenges with determination and grace. Cerebral palsy is more than just a medical condition—it’s a way of living that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. CP is the mo

This initiative is a systemic disruption of the Assistive Technology (AT) market which will allow a leap forward in the quality of care available to children and adults. By leveraging the harmonized logistics of the European Single Market and the digital scalability of AI-driven clinical support, we are bridging the wide gap between cheap disposable AT, like pharmacy crutches, and shockingly high cost AT procured by wealthy governments. Participant, a Benefit Corporation, is

European Mobility Week, held annually from September 16 -22, emphasizes sustainable urban mobility. This year's theme is aimed at sharing public spaces ensuring they are attractive and fit for purpose, and transforming streets into places where pedestrians, public transport, and cyclists can coexist harmoniously while promoting mobility infrastructure. The idea of shared space can truly be achieved if it includes accessibility for all, particularly wheelchair users who most o