Stories

Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Post-Polio Syndrome

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a late-onset condition that affects individuals decades after an initial poliomyelitis infection, often emerging quietly and without immediate recognition. In this article, Dr. Carles Fontcuberta and Dr. Martha Castilleja explore the clinical, neurological, and social dimensions of PPS, highlighting its progressive nature and the challenges it presents for both patients and healthcare systems.

Although global efforts have brought the world closer to eradicating polio, the long-term consequences of the disease continue to impact millions of survivors. PPS illustrates how the effects of past health crises can persist across decades, requiring ongoing medical attention, awareness, and research. Its symptoms, ranging from severe fatigue to progressive muscle weakness, often overlap with other conditions, making diagnosis complex and frequently delayed.

Beyond its clinical aspects, PPS raises important questions about long-term care, accessibility, and quality of life. The article emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches, patient-centered care, and greater awareness among professionals and society. As we move forward in global health, PPS serves as a reminder that eradicating a disease does not necessarily mean ending its impact.

Accessibility in Emergencies Is a Human Right

In times of crisis, emergency systems are meant to protect lives, but they do not always reach everyone equally. For many Deaf and disabled people, warning signals, evacuation instructions, and emergency information may be inaccessible, delayed, or entirely absent, turning already dangerous situations into even greater risks.

This article highlights the testimony of Kashaf Alvi, a Deaf and non-verbal disability advocate based in Dubai, featured by Disability Justice Project in its global conflict series. His message draws attention to the reality that inaccessibility during emergencies is not a secondary issue, but a direct threat to dignity, safety, and survival for millions of people with disabilities around the world.

By connecting this experience to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the publication reinforces a simple but urgent point: accessibility in emergencies is a human right. In moments of conflict, disaster, and unrest, inclusion must not be treated as an afterthought, but as an essential part of every response.

Celebrating the International Women's Day!

International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the world. For those working in disability advocacy, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the leadership and determination of women with disabilities who continue to challenge barriers and reshape how society understands ability, dignity, and independence.

In this reflection, Sanjeev Agnihotri honors the remarkable women connected to the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA) and acknowledges the many others whose work, guidance, and support strengthen the global movement for inclusion. From internationally recognized leaders to women whose courage is expressed through everyday perseverance, their stories remind us that progress is built through determination, compassion, and collective action.

The article also offers a deeply personal perspective, recognizing the quiet but powerful influence of the author’s wife, whose resilience and dedication have supported both family life and his continued advocacy work. Through this tribute, the message of International Women’s Day becomes clear: true inclusion requires recognizing the leadership, contributions, and lived experiences of women with disabilities everywhere.

Celebrating Freedom on International Wheelchair Day

On International Wheelchair Day, our Treasurer, Sanjeev Agnihotri, shares a deeply personal reflection on what his wheelchair truly means to him.

For Sanjeev, his wheelchair is not a symbol of limitation — it is a symbol of liberation. It represents movement, independence, dignity, and the ability to fully participate in life. It has supported him through personal milestones, professional achievements, social contributions, and advocacy efforts.

In his words, the wheelchair has “carried me when my body couldn’t” and given him the courage to step forward, speak up, and stand tall — even while seated. Where others may see restriction, he sees possibility, strength, and partnership.

This heartfelt tribute reminds us that assistive devices are not constraints — they are enablers of opportunity and inclusion. However, true freedom goes beyond mobility. It requires a world designed with accessibility at its core.

As we reflect on this powerful message, we are reminded that accessibility and inclusion are not optional — they are essential.

#AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityInclusion #InternationalWheelchairDay

The Forgotten Role of Accessible Transit

A short reflection by Sanjeev Agnihotri on a missing piece of inclusive education that rarely gets discussed: accessible, reliable, and dignified transportation. He invites readers to look beyond policies and promises and ask a practical question, how do students with disabilities actually get to school, and what changes when transit is treated as essential educational infrastructure.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: A Reflection From the Heart

A reflection by Sanjeev Agnihotri, Treasurer of the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy, on why he chose to share his thoughts after the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, inviting readers to look beyond one-day awareness posts. He highlights both recent progress and ongoing gaps in disability rights worldwide, and introduces the AgniSanju Disability Talk Series as a space for honest, solution-focused conversations.

Heart, Hands, and Hope: My Journey as Co-President of RCWDA

A reflection by Dr. Aderonke Adejuyigbe, Co-President of RCWDA and long-time disability-rights advocate, on how empathy, lived experience as a caregiver, and inclusive leadership guide her work. She highlights the importance of the Caregiver Support Group and the Member Mentorship program in fostering support, solidarity, and resilience across our global community.

Advocacy Through Lived Experience

A reflection by Dr. Martha Castilleja, a Mexican Medical Doctor, polio survivor, health editor, former director of an Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Center, and current Vice President of the Rotary World Disability Advocacy Group, on why advocacy is a core part of professional responsibility.

Digital Accessibility — Our Ongoing Commitment

The Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA) is committed to making its digital spaces more inclusive and aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2), now recognized as an international ISO standard. This article highlights our ongoing work to improve accessibility and our belief that an inclusive digital world benefits everyone.

Inclusive Education Summit — Learning Without Barriers

The second annual Inclusive Education Summit, hosted by the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA), brought together a truly global network of educators, advocates, and leaders under one mission: ensuring learning without barriers.

Held online over 18 continuous hours with presenters from more than 30 countries, the summit showcased practical solutions, artistic expressions, and lived experiences that redefined what inclusive education can look like.

By leveraging Rotary’s worldwide network and the power of digital collaboration, RCWDA transformed conversation into collective action — inspiring ongoing projects that advance accessible, equitable education for all.