3 December – International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)
Each year, ISPO joins the global community in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a moment dedicated to recognising the rights, contributions, and inclusion of people with disabilities worldwide. This year, ISPO continues to highlight a central message first amplified during International Prosthetic & Orthotic Day on 5 November:
Cost remains one of the biggest barriers to accessing appropriate prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) products — and addressing this barrier requires coordinated global action.
Access to effective P&O products is essential for people with physical impairments to participate fully in society, pursue education and employment, and live independent and fulfilling lives. Yet, high costs — largely driven by the price of components and materials — continue to limit access for many individuals, particularly in low-resourced settings.
To mark #IDPD2025, ISPO is reiterating the need for governments, manufacturers, service providers, clinicians, and educational institutions to work collectively toward improving the affordability and accessibility of high-quality prosthetic and orthotic solutions.
Why Affordability Matters
The cost of P&O products is shaped by several interlinked factors:
- – Expensive components and materials that are often imported
- – Limited local production capacity
- – Restricted supply chains and distribution channels
- – Insufficient funding mechanisms and reimbursement schemes
- – Underinvestment in training and technical skills development
These challenges mean that millions of people who could benefit from prosthetic and orthotic intervention remain without appropriate care. When individuals cannot access the technologies they need, the impact extends beyond personal mobility — affecting education, employment, health outcomes, and overall social inclusion.
ISPO’s Ongoing Call to Action
In recognition of IDPD, ISPO urges stakeholders across sectors to take meaningful steps that reduce cost and expand access, including:
1. Strengthening Local Capacity
Enhancing local manufacturing, improving access to materials, and investing in training programmes help reduce reliance on expensive imports and create sustainable service systems.
2. Encouraging Innovation and Appropriate Technology
Supporting research into cost-effective, culturally appropriate, and climate-appropriate solutions ensures that P&O products meet user needs across diverse contexts.
3. Improving Policies and Funding Models
National governments and institutions play a critical role in financing, regulating, and prioritising P&O services to ensure equitable access.
4. Upholding High Standards of Quality and Safety
Affordability must not compromise the durability, comfort, and clinical effectiveness of P&O products. High-quality standards are vital to ensure users receive safe and reliable solutions.
A Commitment to Empowering Access
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ISPO reaffirms its commitment to advancing global access to prosthetic and orthotic devices that are safe, functional, and affordable.
Ensuring that every user — regardless of geography or income — can obtain the support they need is essential for achieving true participation, equity, and inclusion.
ISPO calls on the global community to join this effort, strengthen partnerships, and continue building a world where cost is no longer a barrier to mobility, opportunity, and dignity.
