YSEALI and MIRM Engages with U.S. Special Advisor Sara Minkara on Disability Inclusion and Leadership

On November 12, 2022, participants of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) had the unique opportunity to engage with Sara Minkara, the U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights, in a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion on disability inclusion, leadership and social impact. Organised in collaboration with the Make It Right Movement (MIRM), this meeting aimed to inspire the next generation of leaders across Southeast Asia to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities (PWDs) and to promote greater inclusion in their communities.

The meeting brought together YSEALI participants, young leaders and disability rights advocates from diverse backgrounds to explore how leadership and advocacy can drive positive social change, especially in the area of disability rights. Sara Minkara, a renowned disability advocate and social entrepreneur who is blind, shared her personal experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of inclusive leadership and empowering PWDs to be at the forefront of decision-making processes.

The Importance of Disability Inclusion in Leadership

Sara Minkara, appointed as the U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights in 2021, is recognised globally for her work in advancing disability rights and creating inclusive societies. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for shifting perceptions of disability from a place of limitation to one of opportunity and empowerment.

During the meeting, Sara emphasised that disability inclusion is not only a matter of human rights but also an essential factor in creating innovative and dynamic leadership. By embracing the unique perspectives and strengths of individuals with disabilities, society can foster environments where everyone is empowered to contribute meaningfully.

Her message to the YSEALI participants was clear: true leadership is about empowering others and ensuring that all voices, particularly those of marginalised groups such as PWDs, are heard and respected.

Key Themes Discussed During the Meeting

1. The Power of Inclusive Leadership

One of the central themes of the discussion was the concept of inclusive leadership, which involves creating environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities can thrive. Sara highlighted that inclusive leadership is not just about accommodating people with disabilities but about recognising their inherent strengths and potential. She encouraged YSEALI participants to challenge traditional notions of leadership and to view disability as an asset rather than a limitation. By doing so, leaders can harness the creativity, resilience and unique perspectives of PWDs to solve complex societal challenges.

2. Advocating for Disability Rights

Another important theme was the need for advocacy in promoting disability rights. Sara shared her own journey as a disability rights advocate, discussing the barriers she has faced and the importance of persistence in pushing for systemic change. She urged participants to become advocates for disability inclusion in their own countries and to work toward creating societies where PWDs have equal access to education, employment, healthcare and public services. She also emphasised the importance of self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to take ownership of their narratives and advocate for their rights in all areas of life.

3. Shifting Perceptions of Disability

Sara's personal story of growing up as a blind woman and becoming a successful social entrepreneur served as an inspiring example of how perceptions of disability can be shifted. She challenged participants to move away from viewing disability through a lens of pity or charity and instead to see it as a source of innovation and opportunity. She explained that society’s perception of disability often limits opportunities for PWDs, but by changing the narrative and focusing on the strengths and capabilities of individuals with disabilities, we can create more inclusive and supportive environments.

4. Inclusive Development and Policy Advocacy

The discussion also touched on the role of policy in driving disability inclusion. Sara spoke about the importance of advocating for inclusive development and ensuring that governments and organisations implement policies that support PWDs. She encouraged participants to engage with policymakers and work toward the adoption of laws and regulations that protect the rights of PWDs, particularly in areas such as accessibility, education and employment. She also called for greater representation of PWDs in leadership and decision-making roles, stressing that policies affecting PWDs should be shaped by those with lived experiences of disability.

YSEALI Participants' Reflections and Engagement

The YSEALI participants were deeply engaged throughout the meeting, asking insightful questions and sharing their own experiences of working with marginalised communities. Many participants expressed their admiration for Sara Minkara’s work and were inspired to take action in their own countries to promote disability inclusion.

Some of the key takeaways for participants included:

• Empowering Others: Many participants resonated with the idea that leadership is about empowering others, particularly those who are often excluded from decision-making processes. They reflected on how they could apply this principle in their own leadership roles to create more inclusive communities.

• Challenging Perceptions: Participants appreciated Sara's emphasis on shifting perceptions of disability from a deficit-based view to one of strength and potential. They expressed a desire to challenge societal stereotypes about disability in their own countries and to promote a more inclusive and respectful understanding of PWDs.

• Becoming Advocates: Several participants expressed their commitment to becoming advocates for disability rights and inclusion. They recognised the importance of using their platforms as young leaders to push for policy changes and to create opportunities for PWDs in education, employment and public life.

The Role of MIRM in Promoting Disability Inclusion

As a key partner in organising the meeting, the Make It Right Movement (MIRM) has long been committed to promoting disability inclusion through its advocacy, training and community outreach programmes. MIRM’s work in supporting PWDs aligns with the values discussed during the meeting, particularly in terms of fostering leadership, providing access to opportunities and breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities.

MIRM’s collaboration with YSEALI and Sara Minkara is part of its broader mission to create more inclusive and equitable societies, both in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia. By bringing together leaders, advocates and young changemakers, MIRM hopes to inspire more individuals to take action in promoting disability rights and empowering marginalized communities.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation on Disability Inclusion

The YSEALI meeting with Sara Minkara was a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive leadership and the need to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. As participants returned to their home countries, many were motivated to continue the conversation on disability inclusion and to apply the lessons they learned to their own leadership journeys.

Moving forward, both YSEALI and MIRM plan to build on the momentum generated by this meeting by organising additional workshops, discussions and initiatives focused on disability inclusion and leadership. These efforts will help ensure that young leaders across Southeast Asia are equipped with the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to create more inclusive and equitable societies.

As YSEALI participants continue their leadership journeys, the lessons learned from this meeting will guide them in promoting social change, advocating for disability rights and empowering others to realize their full potential.