"Universal design" means ensuring that as many people can use services and products as possible. When designs work well for people with disabilities, they work better for everyone. Improving the health system to meet the needs of people with disabilities will also help meet the needs of all

Portland State University

- Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) and Universal Health Care (UHC) goals 
- Complying with international law
- Improving health services for all through universal design
- Preventing unnecessary cost for the health system
- Achieving all SDGs

Addressing the Health Gaps is Critical for Several Reasons

Kuper, H, Heydt, P. (2019). The mission billion: access to health services for 1 billion people with disabilities. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 2019. https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/TheMissingBillion

Access To Health Services For 1 Billion People With Disabilities

The global health community has set ambitious goals for 2030. These include the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to "make sure people of all ages are healthy and feel good," and the World Health Organization's "triple billion" targets: to help one billion more people get Universal Health Care (UHC), protect one billion more people from health emergencies, and help one billion more people have better health. 

The world is not on track to meet SDG 3. If the gap in health and healthcare access persists for the 1 billion people with disabilities, achieving SDG 3 will become impossible.

Sustainable Development (SDG 3) and Universal Health Care (UHC)

People with disabilities have the right to access physical and mental healthcare and rehabilitation without facing discrimination. However, these rights are often not met. The lack of fair healthcare access for people with disabilities may indicate a broader lack of inclusivity for them in society. It may also contribute to ongoing discrimination against them and their experiences with disability.

Complying with International Law

Improving Health Services for All Through Universal Design

People with disabilities often struggle to get the healthcare they need. For example, they aren't screened for cancer as often as they should be. This can lead to finding the cancer at a later stage, which means more difficult and expensive treatments. They also don't always have access to special services like help with their vision or occupational therapy. This makes them more likely to fall and need medical care. Not getting the proper care can also lead to higher healthcare costs.

Preventing Unnecessary Cost for The Health System

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are connected. People with disabilities need access to healthcare, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies because it helps them access other services effectively. Good health is crucial for getting a good education (SDG 4) and earning a living wage (SDG 1). If people are unhealthy, their families may need to take care of them, which can make it difficult for them to work. If the health system doesn't work well, it can cause economic problems for individuals, families, and society.

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