As we discussed last week in our article on holiday travel and inclusion for disabled people, the holiday season can be particularly challenging for those who face barriers to travel and social connection. Building on that discussion, it’s important to recognize that countries around the world have developed programs to help people with disabilities stay connected, engaged, and supported—not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. These initiatives go beyond preventing isolation; they focus on creating opportunities for social interaction, wellness, and meaningful participation in community life. From creative arts and sports programs to mentorship networks and volunteer initiatives, these programs aim to empower disabled individuals while fostering inclusive communities.

In Japan, the I’m POSSIBLE Project provides educational toolkits for disability inclusion in schools and communities, helping students and community members understand accessibility and inclusion. The Nippon Foundation also runs the True Colors Festival, showcasing art by persons with disabilities, and the para-sports initiative “Asu-Challe! (Challenge for Tomorrow),” which uses para-athletes to teach inclusion and inspire participation.

In Sweden, programs such as the Independent Living Institute’s “My Life, My Choice!” support self-determination for people with disabilities through peer support and decision-making groups. Special Olympics Sweden runs “Unified Sports” programs, including Unified Soccer, which integrates athletes with and without intellectual disabilities in schools to promote inclusion. Meanwhile, in Canada, the government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) offers a blueprint to make communities, employment, and social participation more inclusive for Canadians with disabilities.

These global examples demonstrate how structured programs can promote inclusion, independence, and quality of life for disabled people. By learning from these models, other countries—including the U.S.—can implement programs that offer consistent support, build community connections, and create accessible opportunities for participation, not just during holidays but every day.

Question to Consider

Which of these programs from around the world should the U.S. adopt, and how could similar initiatives be adapted to local communities?

My Thoughts

Inclusion is most effective when it’s embedded into everyday life, not treated as a seasonal concern. While the U.S. has many programs for disabled individuals, there is room to refine and innovate them. Programs should not remain static after creation; they should evolve over time, incorporating strategies that have proven successful in other countries. Integrating arts, sports, and peer mentorship can enhance engagement and social connection, and combining these approaches with continual feedback ensures that programs remain effective and relevant.

As I have long believed and consistently advocated, the individuals who directly receive services should have a meaningful voice in how those services are designed, implemented, and adapted. True inclusion and effectiveness come when programs actively listen to the lived experiences of those they aim to support, ensuring that services respond to real needs rather than being dictated solely from the top down.

Learning from international models—such as Japan’s I’m POSSIBLE Project, Sweden’s Unified Sports, and Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan—can inspire U.S. programs to innovate, adapt, and consistently measure impact. By combining local insight with global best practices and centering the voices of disabled people themselves, communities can create programs that not only prevent isolation but empower individuals, foster independence, and promote meaningful participation year-round.

Sources     

1.    The Nippon Foundation – True Colors Festival and Asu-Challe! initiatives: https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/en/     2.    Independent Living Institute (Sweden) – “My Life, My Choice!” program: https://www.independentliving.org/     3.    Government of Canada – Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP): https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion.html