Good practices on disability-inclusive health: the WHO European framework to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for people with disabilities

Overview

This good practices document showcases a diverse set of disability-inclusive health initiatives implemented across the WHO European Region, mapping real examples against the objectives of the WHO European framework for action to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for persons with disabilities 2022–2030. The case studies include systems reforms, service coordination platforms, workforce training, digital accessibility solutions, and inclusive governance models co-produced with organizations of people with disabilities. Collectively, they demonstrate that sustainable progress in disability-inclusive health is achieved through co-design with people with disabilities and their representative organizations and through integration with financing, service standards and accountability structures. Effective practices prioritize proactive outreach to reduce stigma, interministerial and intersectoral collaboration to prevent fragmentation, and capacity-building of health workers on inclusion. Cross-cutting policy directions emphasize the importance of shared governance roles with people with disabilities, systematic disability-disaggregated data collection, nationwide accessible communication formats, and sustained public health financing for universal design and workforce development. These case studies illustrate how the commitment of Member States towards advancing health equity for people with disabilities is producing tangible impact across the Region. This document is intended as a practical resource for Member States in the Region to help them adapt, replicate and scale disability-inclusive approaches.