Deep within our cultural understanding of what it means to be a human with a body, we position disability below ability and at odds with health, beauty, wholeness, success, and happiness. But I don’t need my paralyzed legs to be erased in order for me to be seen as able, healthy, beautiful, whole, successful, or happy.
– Rebekah Taussig, Sitting Pretty

Anne Sivanathan, a founding leader of the World Forum Working Group on Inclusion and founder of the Inclusive Outdoor Classroom Project in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, shares today’s message:

After months of planning, on July 13, the Inclusive Outdoor Classroom partnered with the Padini clothing company, private universities, and other corporate organisations to present its 6th “Runway” event at the Kuala Lumpur Gateway Mall, Malaysia, to “Break the Stigma on DisAbility.”

Why a runway event? A runway event that includes persons with disabilities can be a powerful platform for promoting inclusion and challenging societal stereotypes. By showcasing diverse models with disabilities, the event emphasises that beauty and talent are not limited by physical or cognitive differences. Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in amplifying this message, with businesses and government bodies collaborating to provide funding, resources, and venues, ensuring the event reaches a wide audience. Media coverage is vital in spreading awareness, capturing the attention of the public, and encouraging positive conversations around disability inclusion. Involving youths in the event, both as participants and organisers, fosters a new generation of advocates who understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. This not only empowers young people with disabilities but also educates their peers, contributing to a cultural shift towards a more inclusive society that values and respects all individuals.