Advancing Global Disability Health Through Dignity, Innovation, and Inclusion
The Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA) will host its flagship Health Summit 2026 on June 26–27, bringing together global leaders, clinicians, advocates, and people with disabilities for two days of powerful dialogue and action. Held virtually and free to the public, the summit is designed to elevate patient‑centered care, expand accessibility, and strengthen health systems that honor dignity across the life course.
With members from more than 40 countries, RCWDA continues to champion the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us”—and this year’s summit embodies that mission with a program rich in expertise, lived experience, and forward‑looking solutions
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O9J0bvoIR5CHNuZerCdXvw
Schedule of Events and Times: https://tinyurl.com/ydfsdhpt
A Two‑Day Program Focused on Real Change
Day One: Policy, Practice, and the Future of Inclusive Care
The summit opens with a welcome from Dr. Martha Castilleja, President‑Elect and Chair of the Disability Health Summit, setting the tone for a global gathering rooted in compassion, equity, and innovation.
The morning continues with a keynote from renowned British sociologist and disability rights leader Tom Shakespeare, whose work—from Disability Rights and Wrongs to contributions to the WHO’s World Report on Disability—has shaped modern disability discourse. His address, “Advocating Globally for Patient‑Centered Care for People With Disabilities,” explores how systems can shift from treating conditions to honoring people.
Following the keynote, a series of panels and sessions examine the practical realities of accessible healthcare:
- Healthcare Accessibility From Policy to Practice
A deep dive into how strong policies translate into everyday care across hospitals and clinics. - Redesigning Health Care: Centering Neurodiverse Voices in Every Decision
A compelling session on how neurodiverse perspectives strengthen trust, outcomes, and service design. - The Rise of Alternative Medicine: Transforming Pain Management Through True Patient‑Centered Care
A conversation on integrative approaches that honor individual needs and lived experiences. - Technology Expanding Access, Independence, and Choice in Disability Care
A look at how innovations—from mobility tools to communication technologies—are reshaping autonomy and decision‑making.
The day concludes with remarks from Dr. Aderonke Adejuyigbe, Co‑President of RCWDA, reflecting on the momentum built and the work ahead.
Day Two: Lifelong Health, Rehabilitation, and Global Advocacy
Day two opens with John McFarlane, Co‑President Elect, reconnecting participants with the summit’s global purpose and the shared commitment to inclusive health systems.
The morning’s first session, “Aging‑Related Disabilities,” led by Dr. Carles Fontcuberta (Spain), explores the complex relationship between aging and disability—highlighting both challenges and pathways to dignity and autonomy.
This is followed by a powerful rehabilitation‑focused session:
- The Next Line of Healing: Physical & Occupational Therapy at the Heart of Patient‑Centered Care
Featuring Tatiana Mesquita and Dr. Maria de Mello, this session underscores rehabilitation as central—not supplemental—to independence and quality of life.
A mid‑morning panel, “Championing Patient‑Centered Care: The Transformative Power of Caregivers and Health Advocates,” honors the essential role of families, caregivers, and advocates in navigating systems and shaping outcomes.
Later sessions broaden the global lens:
- Health as a Key Enabler of Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities and Lifelong Health Conditions
Presented by Dr. Sylvia Roozen (Brussels), this session connects prevention, maternal health, nutrition, and long‑term support to lifelong inclusion. - Move from Disease Elimination to Lifelong Dignity: How the Leading Cause of Disabilities in the World Is Being Controlled — Elephantiasis
Dr. John P. Ehrenberg examines both global disease control efforts and the lived realities of those already affected.
The summit closes with remarks from Ken Masson, Co‑President of RCWDA, emphasizing the club’s commitment to building a world without barriers.
A Global Platform for Accessibility and Inclusion
The RCWDA Health Summit 2026 is more than a conference—it is a global call to action. With live captioning, free registration, and a fully virtual format, the event ensures that participation is accessible to all.
RCWDA’s mission is clear: to transform commitment into action by promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities everywhere. This summit stands as a testament to that mission, offering a space where expertise meets lived experience and where innovation meets humanity.