From Bystander to Advocate: Journey to Disability Inclusion
For a long time, disability was simply invisible to me, not because of malice, but because I lacked exposure. I thought of myself as empathetic and inclusive. Yet, in truth, disability was never on my radar until I met the Executive Director of the Inclusive Voice for Women and Youth Initiative (IVWYI).
Through her and through several encounters with the disability community, my blind spots were revealed. I realised I had overlooked not people, but their value, their contributions, and the systemic barriers that exclude them. That realisation struck deeply.
What began as curiosity gradually transformed into commitment. I started volunteering with IVWYI, attending inclusive education workshops, supporting accessibility audits, and, most importantly, listening to the lived experiences of persons with disabilities. With each encounter, I learned, unlearned, and redefined what inclusion meant.
I witnessed young adults confidently leading sessions, artists with disabilities showcasing extraordinary talent, and communities thriving when allowed to participate fully. These experiences fuelled a shift in my priorities and gave me a deeper sense of purpose.
Today, I actively champion disability inclusion by raising awareness, engaging in advocacy, and sharing knowledge in every space I can, whether in education, employment, or community development.
I no longer stand as a bystander. I am an ally, an advocate, and a proud voice for inclusion. What I thought would be “just volunteering” with IVWYI has given me a new lens on life. They didn’t just change how I see disability; they changed how I see humanity.
