Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans live with disabilities. And, like everyone else, those with disabilities deserve health equity. This is why The Colorado Health Foundation honors International Day of Persons with Disabilities as we continue to prioritize those who have less power, privilege and income.
While access to medical care is crucial, those with disabilities are also more likely to face barriers to participating in the political, economic and cultural aspects of life. This is inherently unjust and unfair. International Day of Persons with Disabilities is about promoting well-being of those with disabilities globally, as well as in our own communities; and raising awareness about what we can all do to improve access and remove barriers for those with disabilities.
Unfortunately, policies can, and often do, create barriers to healthcare. As required by the federal government, an unwind to the Public Health Emergency Medicaid Continuous Coverage is negatively impacting many Coloradans, including those with disabilities. As reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2017, 59% of Colorado’s Medicaid dollars were spent on those with disabilities and elderly Coloradans. And A LOT has changed in the past seven years. For example, long COVID has been included as a disability within the Americans with Disability Act since 2021, meaning there are more people living with disabilities now than in 2017 and possibly requiring Medicaid coverage.
When the requirements, processes or documentation of Medicaid changes, Coloradans with disabilities are forced to go without the healthcare and services they need.
Americans with disabilities have lower employment rates and make less money on average than those without disabilities. People with disabilities are overrepresented in occupations that offer more part-time positions and in service roles, such as retail, maintenance, and food service. The gap in economic opportunity and finances make it difficult for those with disabilities to participate in the public sphere because, frankly, participation often costs money.
For example, voting is a right. But people with disabilities, who are more likely to make less money, might not have the means to make it to the polls. Cars, gas and public transit are all cost-prohibitive barriers to participating in our democracy. While existing laws and policies are a part of making public life more accessible for those with disabilities, there is more work to do as we strive for equity.
As we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we must also celebrate those with disabilities who continue to engage in the work of grappling with power and moving us all toward health equity. Organizations across our state are moving disability justice forward. In addition to the Coloradans we serve and the organizations we partner with, around 13% of The Colorado Health Foundation’s staff self-reported as living with a disability in 2023.
The disability community knows what’s needed to make our state, and our society, a more equitable place. This includes the millions living with disabilities that are “invisible.” Autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, and chronic fatigue are just a few of the many disabilities that aren’t easily recognizable.
We encourage you to engage with and support disability advocacy and justice work that’s led and developed by those living with disabilities.