July 26th is a date many disabled Americans know well, the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For decades, this law has stood as a landmark of progress: proof that with collective effort, barriers can come down.
But here’s the truth: in 2025, the U.S. is no longer leading the charge. And the struggle for disability rights, dignity, access, inclusion — doesn’t stop at one country’s border. It’s a global fight.
US: When a Leader Starts Falling Behind
The ADA was groundbreaking. It forced businesses, public services, and workplaces to take accessibility seriously. It gave millions of people legal standing when they were discriminated against because of their disability.
But recent years have chipped away at that legacy. DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) programs are being gutted, legal protections are being rolled back, and accessibility is no longer seen as a priority in many areas of U.S. policy. Disabled Americans are feeling that shift every day, in hiring, healthcare, transportation, and even in education.
And when a country that once held the torch starts dimming its own light, the ripple effects are global.
Canada: Progress with Caveats
Here in Canada, we often point to our Accessible Canada Act (ACA) or the Canadian Human Rights Act as signs of our commitment to inclusion. And they are good frameworks, in theory.
But policy on paper doesn’t always mean access in real life.
Many of us still face:
- Inaccessible housing and transit (especially outside large cities)
- Inconsistent recognition and treatment of service dogs
- Delays in accommodations for education or work
- Patchwork provincial supports with no national cohesion
And it doesn’t help that the ACA lacks teeth in enforcement. It’s still early days, yes, but for those of us navigating systemic barriers now — we can’t afford to wait.
The UK’s Ongoing Backslide
Across the pond, disabled citizens in the UK are in a fight of their own. The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system has long been criticized for its complexity and cruelty, but now, cuts are coming.
The government initially proposed slashing benefits for new claimants as early as November 2026. While backlash led to a partial concession (existing claimants are protected for now), the message is clear: disability support is on the chopping block.
For many, this means losing access to housing, food, or mobility devices, and being forced to prove, again and again, that their disability is “real enough.”
A Global Reality: Disability Is Everywhere
The World Health Organization estimates that over 1 in 6 people globally live with a disability, and that number is only growing.
Not because more people are born disabled, but because:
- We’re living longer
- Chronic illness is more prevalent
- Medical trauma, climate-related injury, and aging are increasing disability rates
And still, across the world, disabled people are left behind in planning, design, and policy. We’re treated as an afterthought, even though anyone can become disabled, at any time.
This Isn’t Just Political, It’s Personal
Disability rights do intersect with politics, because laws shape access.
But this isn’t just about policy. It’s about dignity, humanity, and equality.
Whether you live in Toronto or Texas, Manchester or Melbourne, accessibility should not be a luxury. It should be standard. It should be protected. It should be enforced.
And when one country falls backward, others often follow.
So Where Do We Go From Here?
Let’s be clear: no country has this all figured out. But we can learn from each other.
Canada must strengthen enforcement and close provincial gaps. The UK must protect its disabled citizens from austerity policies masked as “efficiency.” And the U.S. must recognize that progress isn’t permanent, it must be protected and nurtured.
Meanwhile, countries like New Zealand, parts of Scandinavia, and Australia are pushing forward on integrated design, universal supports, and mental health parity. We need to look, listen, and learn.
Because disability doesn’t respect borders, and neither should our advocacy.
Final Thought
The ADA helped spark a global conversation 35 years ago. But its spirit now depends on all of us.
Let’s keep pushing, not just for ramps and subtitles, but for systems that respect disability as part of the human condition, not a problem to be fixed or hidden.
Because the world won’t be truly accessible until everyone, everywhere, can belong without barriers.