"If your own don't protect you, the world won't". The Relevancy of Self Advocacy For People with Disabilities

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While we may rely on the support and protection of others, ultimately, it is up to us to ensure that we are safe and secure. The statement "if your own don't protect you, the world won't" highlights the importance of taking responsibility for our own well-being and safety. 

In this context, the statement "if your own don't protect you, the world won't" takes on added significance. For individuals with disabilities, this means that it is essential to advocate for their own needs and rights, while also recognizing the importance of broader social and policy-level change.

While progress has been made in recent years to promote disability inclusion, there is still much work to be done. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination than those without disabilities. This can be especially true when it comes to employment, where individuals with disabilities may face significant barriers to finding and maintaining work.

One of the key challenges is that many workplaces are not designed with the needs of individuals with disabilities in mind. This can make it difficult for individuals with disabilities to access the physical environment, communicate with colleagues and clients, and perform the essential functions of their job. This can lead to economic insecurity, poverty, and social isolation.

To address these challenges, it is essential for individuals with disabilities to take an active role in advocating for their own needs and rights. This may involve seeking out accessible employment opportunities, advocating for workplace accommodations, and building networks and relationships that can support their professional development.

At the same time, it is also essential for the world to step in and provide support and protection. This may involve policy-level interventions, such as disability-inclusive employment legislation, or community-based initiatives that promote inclusive hiring practices.

For example, in India, the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has been working to promote disability-inclusive employment practices across a range of sectors. The organization has partnered with companies to develop disability-friendly policies and practices, and has also advocated for changes to national policy to promote greater inclusion.

For people with disabilities, Advocating for their own needs and rights is essential to ensure that they have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive in their personal and professional lives. Here are some ways individuals with disabilities can advocate for their own needs and rights:

1.     Know your rights: Individuals with disabilities should educate themselves on their rights under disability rights laws and policies. This knowledge can help them to advocate effectively for their needs and rights, including requesting accommodations and addressing discrimination.

2.     Speak up: Individuals with disabilities should not be afraid to speak up about their needs and rights. This may involve discussing their needs with employers, educators, or service providers, or raising concerns about discriminatory practices.

3.     Build a support network: It can be helpful for individuals with disabilities to build a network of allies and supporters who can help them to advocate for their needs and rights. This may include disability organizations, advocates, or family members and friends who are knowledgeable about disability issues.

4.     Seek out accessible employment opportunities: Individuals with disabilities can seek out employment opportunities that are accessible and inclusive. This may involve researching companies and organizations that have a track record of hiring individuals with disabilities, or networking with other individuals with disabilities to learn about job opportunities.

5.     Request accommodations: Individuals with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations in the workplace, in school, or in other settings to help them to perform their job or participate in activities on an equal basis with others. This may include accommodations such as assistive technology, modified work schedules, or accessible transportation.

6.     Advocate for policy change: Individuals with disabilities can also advocate for broader policy changes to promote disability inclusion and rights. This may involve contacting legislators or policymakers to advocate for disability-inclusive policies or participating in community-based advocacy efforts.

By taking these steps, individuals with disabilities can effectively advocate for their own needs and rights and create more inclusive and equitable communities.

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At the same time, it is also important for the world to step in and provide support and protection. This can take many forms, from policy-level interventions to community-based initiatives. For example, in some countries, disability-inclusive employment legislation requires employers to provide accommodations and create more inclusive work environments. This can help to level the playing field for individuals with disabilities and promote greater economic security and independence.


Written by: 

Godfrey Nanyenya



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