A message from Craig Baker, President of Mobility Trust

Each year on December 3, the world comes together to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD)—a moment to honor the 1.3 billion people with disabilities worldwide and to recommit ourselves to building societies that are equitable, accessible, and inclusive.

In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is focusing on a theme that deeply resonates with our mission at Mobility Trust: inclusive health financing. This theme underscores a simple truth—when financial systems don’t consider the needs of people with disabilities, access to essential care, equipment, and mobility becomes out of reach. And when that happens, individuals, families, and entire communities feel the impact.

Why Inclusive Financing Matters

For many people with disabilities, daily life is shaped by the need for accessible transportation, medical equipment, home modifications, or ongoing care. Yet too often, these essential supports are either inadequately covered or not financed at all.

This leads to:

• Catastrophic out-of-pocket costs for basic needs

• Delayed or forgone treatment because insurance doesn’t cover what’s required

• Financial instability for families trying to support a loved one

• Reduced mobility and participation, limiting work, community engagement, and independence

When financing systems fail to account for accessibility and affordability, people are forced to choose between their health and financial security. That is a choice no one should ever have to make.

Strengthening Health Systems for Everyone

Designing financing systems with disability inclusion at the center is not just the right thing to do—it's transformative. Countries that implement inclusive health financing see measurable improvements across their health systems, because considerations like equity, accessibility, and affordability benefit everyone, not only those with disabilities.

Inclusive financing contributes to:

• Stronger, more resilient health systems

• Improved health outcomes across the population

• Greater economic participation

• Reduced poverty and vulnerability

• Stronger families and communities

By ensuring that essential services and equipment are accessible financially—not just physically—we build a foundation for thriving, inclusive societies.

What We See at Mobility Trust

At Mobility Trust, we witness firsthand the power of inclusive financing.

When individuals can access wheelchair-accessible vehicles, adaptive equipment, or home modifications without financial harm, their world expands. They can get to work, attend medical appointments, connect with their communities, and live more independently. They gain control over their lives, their mobility, and their futures.

We also see the strain when financing systems fall short. Families making impossible choices. Individuals delaying essential modifications or equipment. Caregivers taking on overwhelming financial burdens. These barriers are preventable—and solvable.

That is why our work matters.
And it’s why, today, this global theme resonates so deeply with us.

Our Commitment

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm Mobility Trust’s commitment to:

• Expanding financial access for people with disabilities

• Advocating for inclusive, equitable financing policies

• Educating our partners about the economic and social benefits of disability-inclusive systems

• Empowering individuals and families through responsible, accessible financial solutions

Everyone deserves the dignity of safe transportation, accessible homes, and the equipment necessary to support their health and independence. Inclusive financing is a crucial pathway to making that a reality.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on IDPWD 2025, we recognize both the progress made and the work ahead. But we remain optimistic—because every day, we see what is possible when barriers are removed and equity is prioritized.

When we design financing systems that include people with disabilities, we create stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities for everyone.

Thank you for joining us in advancing this mission.

Craig Baker
President, Mobility Trust