International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024

This Viewpoint supports SDG 3 by highlighting the pervasive issues within health systems rooted in ableism and proposes an agenda to tackle ableism, aiming to make health systems responsive to the needs of people with disabilities.

This Article supports SDG 3 by evaluating the association between air pollutants and physical disability in older adults.

This Article supports SDG 3 by comprehensively estimating the burden of low back pain by considering the effects of health-care interventions on health state severity distribution; the authors show that the burden of low back pain in low-income and middle-income countries has been underestimated in GBD, but also that this higher burden is amenable to improved access to treatment.

This Article supports SDG 3 by presenting strong evidence of negative effects of ear disease and/or hearing loss on all measured cognitive domains in a cohort of children enrolled in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of an 11-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine conducted between 2000 and 2004 in Bohol, Philippines.

This Article supports SDG 3 by demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of a multi-center multidisciplinary co-managed care model for hip fracture patients in China.

This Article supports SDG 3 by assessing the effectiveness of specialist physiotherapy for functional motor disorder and finding that future research should refine interventions for this population and develop evidence-based methods to guide treatment.

This study analyses the linguistic and metalinguistic abilities of individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS).

This Article supports SDG 3 by highlighting that people with disabilities have a two-fold higher mortality rate than people without disabilities in LMICs; a better understanding of this relationship is needed to inform public health planning, policy making, and the allocation of health-care resources to promote healthy longevity for all populations worldwide.

This research highlights how how diversity is, and has been, defined, explained and enacted in the context of schooling.

This Article supports SDGs 3 and 13 by estimating the association between environmental heat exposure and emergency department admissions for people with disabilities, compared with people without disabilities

This Personal View supports SDGs 3 and 13 by presenting research recommendations to advance disability-inclusive climate research and responses .

This Editorial highlights disparities and inequalities in access to cancer screening and treatment (and consequently worse survival outcomes) in people with physical and intellectual disabilities.

This Review supports SDG 3 by showing that people with disabilities in Latin America and the Carribean face inequities with regard to health-care access, including some evidence showing worse affordability and quality of care. Addressing data gaps will be important to more fully assess health equity among people with and without disabilities in this region.

This Article supports SDG 3 by demonstrating that delivery of a complex, non-operative package of care to individuals with severe osteoarthritis and multiple long-term conditions waiting for knee replacement surgery is possible.

This Article supports SDG 3 by estimating the global caseload of hearing loss due to certain preventable, disease-based causes of hearing loss; this study was conducted in conjunction with the Lancet Commission on Hearing Loss, with the aim of providing data that could inform policy decisions on how best to allocate resources.

This Article supports SDG 3 by examining whether rehabilitation with hearing aid use in people with hearing loss is associated with lower mortality.

This Article supports SDG 3 by showing that children with disabilities have fewer opportunities for play compared with children without disabilities (around 9% less), which is important because play is important for child development. Strategies to overcome barriers to participation in play are needed.

This Comment discusses the issue of ableism in oncology care and how this must be addressed.

This Article supports SDG 3 by reporting the global incidence and years of life lived with disability for spinal cord injury from 1990 to 2019.

This study uses the Simplified Chinese version of the Overall Assessment of the Speaker’s Experience of Stuttering for Adults (OASES-A-SC) to examine the stuttering experience of people in China and determine if there are differences between the data collected in China and other countries.

Speech to text (STT) technology automatically transcribes users’ speech to a computer screen. Research indicates that STT shows promise as an alternative mode of composition, supporting students in making fewer errors, writing more, and writing better. Much of this research takes place in elementary and middle schools, often focusing on students with identified learning disabilities.

This study seeks to describe the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of community-dwelling older adults experiencing difficulties with understanding others or being understand when communicating in their usual language.

This Article supports SDG 3 by examining inequities of care between disabled and non-disabled children in Africa, focusing on common childhood illnesses. Absolute differences were small, although higher odds of some illnesses were observed in disabled children. Children with disabilities should be considered in efforts to address social determinants of health.

This study shows the communicative practices that facilitate peer socialization processes in an oral classroom for deaf or hard-of-hearing preschoolers.

This Article supports SDG 3 by revealing high levels of household food insecurity among people with disabilities in Brazil. The Continuous Cash Benefit, a social security payment made to people with disabilities, was noted to be an important contributor to food security in this population.

This paper calls for structural investment in leprosy elimination programmes for underserved areas where there is high risk of re-emergence of disease due to lack of resources.

India alone accounts for around 40% of burden of LF that is a major cause of disability. The authors in this paper propose a few strategies that can assist in creating a robust framework ensuring that the individuals with LF-related disabilities can utilize the provisions made under various schemes, fostering inclusivity and thereby paving the way for improved quality of life

This paper demonstrates incorporating state institutions, local and international charity organisations, and volunteers, to devise a bespoke approach to care provision using the available resources for people living with autism is a conflict ridden area.

This Article supports SDG 3 by assessing the associations between oral health and functional disability and mortality in older adults.

This study provides insight into the perspectives on languages and modalities that emerge when (hearing) health professionals meet deaf parents with their babies in health centres, even with a sign language interpreter present.

This study findings emphasizes the need for community-level awareness programs to improve anthropometric well-being and healthcare of the children with disability.contributing to the global disability discourse, the study underscores the significance of context-specific investigations for impactful interventions.

This Series of 2 papers in The Lancet Oncology addresses the urgent need to pay specific attention to the challenges and disparities faced by people with disabilities suffering from cancer. The authors highlight the need to improve the effectiveness and timeliness of cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes to provide more equitable cancer prevention and care.

This Series of 2 papers in The Lancet Oncology addresses the urgent need to pay specific attention to the challenges and disparities faced by people with disabilities suffering from cancer. The authors highlight the need to improve the effectiveness and timeliness of cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes to provide more equitable cancer prevention and care.

The primary objective of this randomised controlled trial is to quantify the effect of tDCS and exercise on pain, disability and quality of life in people with hip OA. Our secondary objectives include: 1) quantifying the influence of motor cortex excitability and conditioned pain modulation on treatment effects, and 2) quantifying the economic cost/benefit of tDCS for improving health-related quality of life in people with hip OA.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health as well as Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing research on disabilities to help prepare for future public health disasters. It also promotes inclusive leadership and implementation that considers the needs of people with disabilities.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health as well as Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting the travel challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, which can hinder their access to essential services and opportunities. By identifying barriers and advocating for inclusive transportation policies, it aims to improve mobility and reduce inequalities for people with disabilities, ultimately promoting better health outcomes and community integration.

This article aligns with Goal 3: Good Health and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting the importance of postsecondary education (PSE) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which can enhance their educational and vocational opportunities, leading to improved health and well-being. By examining the benefits of PSE options and the supportive legislative frameworks, the article advocates for equitable access to education, helping to reduce disparities and promote inclusivity in higher education and beyond. Additionally, it emphasizes the positive impact of college experiences on personal development and community integration for individuals with disabilities.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by recognizing the unique challenges faced by families of children with disabilities during the pandemic and exploring positive outcomes that can enhance their resilience and well-being. By shifting the focus to strengthening family systems, the study promotes better mental health and support mechanisms for these families, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and reducing disparities. This approach encourages a more holistic understanding of the pandemic's impact, fostering equity and inclusion for families navigating post-pandemic challenges.

This case study aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and understanding of genetic conditions, which can lead to better health management and support for individuals with psychosis and learning disabilities. Additionally, it aligns with Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by emphasizing the need for equitable access to healthcare and resources for individuals with complex health needs, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and support tailored to their specific conditions.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by emphasizing the importance of overcoming barriers to ensure equitable access to health and well-being for individuals with various impairments, thus promoting inclusive participation in society. It also supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by advocating for the development and implementation of digital and assistive technologies that empower people with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities and resources. The call for disability-inclusive policies during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic further underscores the commitment to achieving social inclusion and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that no one is left behind.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by addressing Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a significant cause of intellectual disability, and exploring potential treatments that could improve health outcomes for affected individuals through the restoration of gene function. Additionally, it aligns with Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic and epigenetic factors in FXS, which can lead to more equitable healthcare options and targeted interventions for individuals with this condition, ultimately promoting inclusion and reducing disparities in health access and treatment.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by addressing the urgent healthcare challenges posed by Japan's aging population, particularly regarding physical disabilities and the increasing demand for effective rehabilitation and care solutions. The exploration of robotics and innovative technologies in stroke rehabilitation not only aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities but also seeks to improve overall health outcomes. Additionally, it aligns with Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting the importance of accessible and inclusive healthcare solutions, such as telerehabilitation and community-based integrated care systems, which can help ensure that older adults and individuals with disabilities receive equitable support and resources regardless of their circumstances.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and effective management of multiple sclerosis (MS) to delay disease progression and improve health outcomes for individuals affected by this condition. By exploring the innovative use of retinal imaging technology as a noninvasive method to detect and monitor neurodegeneration associated with MS, it highlights advancements in healthcare that can lead to better disease management. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by advocating for accessible diagnostic tools that can enhance the care of young adults with MS, ensuring that all individuals receive timely and equitable healthcare regardless of their socioeconomic status.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by addressing innovative treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which may offer hope for patients with aggressive forms of the disease and improve their chances of long-term remission. By discussing the efficacy, safety, and unique considerations of HSCT, the chapter emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment approaches in enhancing health outcomes for individuals with MS. Furthermore, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing insights into advanced therapies and recommendations for patient selection, which can help ensure that all patients, regardless of their background, have access to cutting-edge treatments that can significantly impact their quality of life and manage their condition effectively.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by raising awareness of chromosomal conditions and their associated health challenges, such as intellectual disabilities and other clinical features, which underscores the need for early diagnosis and appropriate medical care. By discussing the complexities of diagnosing these conditions, especially prenatally, it highlights the importance of accessible genetic testing and healthcare resources that can improve health outcomes for affected individuals and families. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by emphasizing the need for equitable access to diagnostic tools and services for all populations, ensuring that individuals with chromosomal conditions receive the necessary support and care regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by advocating for a deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as Down syndrome, through a process-based approach that recognizes the dynamic and interdependent nature of development. By shifting the focus from static classifications to understanding the interactions and processes that contribute to neurodiversity, the paper promotes better health outcomes through more effective interventions and support strategies for individuals with these conditions. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by addressing the limitations of traditional research methods, which can marginalize the experiences of neurodiverse individuals, and by advocating for inclusive research practices that consider diverse perspectives and promote equity in the understanding and treatment of neurodevelopmental conditions.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation of hearing loss in children, which is crucial for preventing delays in speech, social development, and learning outcomes. By highlighting the genetic causes of hearing loss and the role of genetic testing, the chapter promotes effective interventions that can significantly improve health and developmental outcomes for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by advocating for accessible diagnostic processes and personalized care strategies that ensure all children, regardless of their background, receive the necessary support to address hearing loss and its associated challenges.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by detailing specialized training techniques that can enhance the quality of life for individuals with visual field loss, thereby improving their ability to navigate their environment and engage in daily activities. By focusing on tailored interventions such as eccentric viewing, visual exploration, and scanning training, the chapter promotes effective rehabilitation strategies that contribute to better health outcomes for those affected by visual impairments. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by ensuring that individuals with visual field loss have access to adaptive training methods, which can empower them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by focusing on neurorehabilitation as a means to facilitate recovery from nervous system damage and enhance functional independence for individuals affected by conditions such as stroke or brain trauma. By incorporating advanced assistive technologies and machine learning into rehabilitation practices, the chapter highlights innovative approaches that can improve the effectiveness of interventions, ultimately promoting better health outcomes and quality of life for patients. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by emphasizing the importance of accessible and adaptive technologies that provide all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or socioeconomic status, with the tools necessary to achieve greater independence and participate fully in society.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by demonstrating how advancements in 3D printing (3DP) technology enhance medical service delivery by creating customized prosthetics, implants, and equipment that can significantly improve health outcomes for individuals, particularly para-athletes and those with limb loss. By emphasizing the benefits of personalized medical devices and the potential for improved activities of daily living, the chapter highlights the importance of innovative solutions in healthcare. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by advocating for accessible and customized technologies that empower para-athletes and individuals with disabilities, promoting equity in sports and medical care and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to participate fully in both athletic and everyday activities.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by addressing the complex phenomenon of phantom limb pain, which can significantly affect the quality of life for individuals who have undergone amputations. By understanding the mechanisms behind this condition and the varied experiences of patients, healthcare providers can develop more effective pain management strategies and psychological support systems, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting the need for tailored medical interventions that recognize the unique challenges faced by amputees, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances, receive comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of their recovery.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by exploring potential nutraceutical interventions for autism and related disorders, which can enhance therapeutic strategies and improve health outcomes for individuals affected by these conditions. By investigating the roles of various dietary and environmental factors, the study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of autism's complex etiology, potentially leading to more effective management options. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by emphasizing the need for accessible and diverse treatment approaches, such as nutraceuticals, which can offer individuals and families more options for managing autism, regardless of their socioeconomic status or access to traditional healthcare resources.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by highlighting the significant impact of sleep disorders on the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their families, emphasizing the importance of effective interventions such as parent-directed behavioral strategies and the careful use of melatonin. By advocating for a collaborative approach to treatment planning that involves parents and children, the content promotes a patient-centered model of care that can lead to better health outcomes. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by addressing the specific needs of children with ASDs and their families, ensuring that they have access to appropriate and evidence-based interventions that can improve their quality of life and reduce disparities in healthcare access and treatment effectiveness.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by exploring the systemic nature of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its associations with other physical and mental health issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address various underlying factors, including autonomic dysfunction and neuroinflammation. By proposing new targets for treatment, the chapter promotes a more holistic understanding of ADHD that can lead to improved health outcomes for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing the complex interplay of conditions that often accompany ADHD, ensuring that all individuals receive equitable and effective care tailored to their unique health needs, regardless of their background or circumstances.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by critically evaluating the efficacy of prodrugs in treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge-eating disorder (BED), highlighting the importance of optimizing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties to ensure effective and safe management of these conditions. By focusing on the therapeutic benefits and potential side effects of medications like lisdexamfetamine and serdexmethylphenidate, the review underscores the need for tailored treatment strategies that can improve health outcomes for individuals affected by these disorders. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by addressing the importance of accessible and effective medication options for ADHD and BED, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to receive appropriate care and resources to manage their conditions effectively while minimizing the risk of misuse and abuse.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by providing a comprehensive overview of impulsivity in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), emphasizing the need for effective management strategies that include psychoeducation, pharmacological treatments, and psychosocial interventions to improve health outcomes. By highlighting the multifaceted nature of impulsivity and its evolving symptoms across different life stages, the content underscores the importance of tailored treatment approaches that address the unique needs of individuals with ADHD. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by recognizing the varied presentations of ADHD, especially in women, and advocating for accessible and appropriate interventions that ensure all individuals, regardless of their gender or background, receive the necessary support to manage their condition and enhance their quality of life.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by providing a thorough understanding of cerebral palsy (CP), including its neurodevelopmental origins, clinical manifestations, and the importance of early detection through standardized tools. By outlining guidelines for diagnosis and management, the chapter emphasizes the need for comprehensive care strategies that can improve health outcomes and quality of life for children with CP. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting the significance of accessible diagnostic and management resources that ensure all children, regardless of their circumstances, receive timely and equitable care, ultimately promoting better developmental outcomes and reducing disparities in healthcare access.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by highlighting the significant impact of climate change on mental health, emphasizing the need for awareness and interventions to address both physical and psychological health issues caused by environmental changes. By identifying the mental health risks associated with climate change and advocating for further research and interventions, the study aims to improve overall well-being and resilience among affected individuals. Additionally, it supports Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by underscoring the universal nature of these mental health challenges, showing that climate change affects diverse populations regardless of age or gender, and advocating for equitable access to mental health support and resources to mitigate these risks for all individuals.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by providing readers and application of behavior analysis to treat challenging behavior specifically in a person-centered manner.

This content aligns with Goal 3: Good Health by discuss efficient care pathways including the optimal referral and assessment process, helpful interventions and gaps in the evidence base, and successful coordination between different mental health teams and other agencies.