Self-advocates share personal journeys

Employment is more than a pay-cheque - for people with disabilities, it is also about belonging, purpose, and being able to decide the path of one’s own life.

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That message was emphasised during the “Self-advocates’ Employment Experiences” session at the World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” held in Sharjah, where speakers with disabilities from Taiwan and Malaysia shared powerful stories of how they found work they love, overcame their doubts and barriers, and even became their own bosses.

The session, hosted by PAPID Taiwan, United Voice Malaysia, and Inclusion International, was opened by Luis Gabriel Villarreal, Vice President of Inclusion International, who reminded the audience that the global network has adopted a clear statement on inclusive employment, built with the input of self-advocates themselves.

“Inclusive employment is when people with and without disabilities work together, when everyone gets the support they need to do their job, when everyone is valued and treated like they belong, and when people with disabilities are paid equally for their work,” he said.