On 24 July 2018 some 700 leaders from organizations of people with disabilities, governments, donor agencies and technology companies will convene at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London for the first ever Global Disability Summit 2018. Hosted by the Government of the United Kingdom, and co-hosted by the International Disability Alliance and the Government of Kenya, the Summit will celebrate the achievements and rights of people with disabilities and highlight the role that innovation and technology can play to improve their lives.
Globally, 1 of every 7 people today live with some form of disability, the majority in low- and middle-income countries. In these settings, disability is both a cause and consequence of poverty as people with disabilities often face significant barriers that prevent them from participating fully in society, including accessing health services and attaining education and employment.
WHO’s vision is of an inclusive world in which all people are able to live a life of health, comfort and dignity. Governments, educators, employers and others can ensure this by creating the enabling policies and environments people with disabilities need to effectively navigate the world. WHO’s main priority under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is universal health coverage, which means that everyone, no matter where they live, should have the health services including high-quality rehabilitation services and the assistive products they need without facing financial hardship. WHO is committed to making universal health coverage inclusive and responsive to the needs of people with disabilities.