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International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Idaho Medicaid Cuts

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Every year on December 3rd, the world observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). In 2025, the United Nations theme is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”. This day is a reminder that over 1.3 billion people worldwide—1 in 6 of us—live with significant disabilities. The observance calls for equity, accessibility, and inclusive health systems that recognize the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.

little girl walking with assistive device

Idaho’s Medicaid Cuts: A Local Crisis

While the world celebrates inclusion, Idaho faces a troubling reality. Recent Medicaid cuts have eliminated or reduced funding for critical behavioral health and disability-related services. These cuts include:

  • Ending coverage for peer support specialists, who provide life-saving guidance for individuals with mental illness.

  • Reducing funding for mobile crisis teams that prevent psychiatric emergencies.

  • Lowering reimbursement rates for providers, risking clinic closures and reduced access.

Local sheriffs and health leaders warn these cuts pose serious public safety risks and will ultimately cost Idahoans more in emergency care, incarceration, and untreated illness. Families already report losing stabilizing care that kept them safe and healthy.

ribbon of $100 bills cut with scissors

Why This Matters

  • Short-term savings create long-term costs. Cutting preventive and supportive services increases ER visits, hospitalizations, and law enforcement involvement.

  • Disability inclusion requires access. Without Medicaid-funded supports, many Idahoans with disabilities face isolation, worsening health, and financial hardship.

  • Equity is at stake. These cuts disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, undermining the very principles celebrated on IDPD.

three people helping another

 Idaho Resources for Persons with Disabilities

Despite these challenges, Idahoans can turn to local resources:

  • Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Disabilities Services: Programs supporting independent living and developmental disability services. Learn more

  • Idaho State Independent Living Council (SILC): Promotes peer support, self-determination, and systemic change. Learn more

  • Disability Rights Idaho (DRI): Advocacy and legal support for disability rights. Learn more

  • Idaho 211 CareLine: Connects residents to health, housing, and disability services. Learn more

  • Olmstead Rights – Idaho Disability Resources: Directory of advocacy organizations and community supports. Learn more


Call to Action

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Idaho must reflect on whether its policies align with global commitments to inclusion. Medicaid cuts threaten life-saving treatment and erode progress toward equity. Investing in disability-inclusive health care is not only a moral imperative—it is fiscally responsible. Preventive care and community-based supports save lives and reduce costs in the long run.

Idahoans deserve better. By protecting Medicaid and strengthening disability resources, the state can honor the spirit of IDPD and ensure that every resident has the chance to thrive.


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