Today, we celebrate resilience, inclusion, and the power of diversity. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), established by the United Nations in 1992, is more than a date on the calendar—it is a global call to action. It reminds us that creating a world where everyone belongs is not just an aspiration; it is a responsibility. This day champions dignity, rights, and well-being for persons with disabilities and highlights the benefits of full participation in every aspect of life—political, social, economic, and cultural.
Globally, more than 1.3 billion people—approximately 16% of the population—live with significant disabilities. Many face health inequities that are preventable yet persist due to discrimination, inequitable policies, barriers to care, and negative attitudes. These realities underscore the urgency of ensuring that no one is left behind and that health and well-being are truly universal.
In Northern BC, accessibility is especially vital. Our vast geography and rural communities can amplify barriers to care, making inclusion and equity even more critical. For individuals with disabilities, these challenges often mean limited access to timely, quality health services.
At Northern Health (NH), inclusion and accessibility are at the heart of our IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) approach. Guided by compassion and the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” we are committed to ensuring that people with lived experience shape the strategies and decisions that affect them.
We are proud to share that NH has established an Accessibility Committee and is developing our first Accessibility Plan. This plan will identify barriers across our health system and outline concrete actions to make care more inclusive and accessible for all.
Stay connected as we move forward on this important journey. Together, we can build a Northern BC where accessibility and inclusion are not optional—they are the standard.
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