Archives: Articles

A Life Made Beautiful for All: Nguyễn Văn Cử (Doi Rat Dep Social Enterprise)

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Nguyễn Văn Cử is the Deputy Director of Disability Research and Capacity Development Center (DRD) and Director of Doi Rat Dep Social Enterprise. Doi Rat Dep, or “Life is Beautiful” in Vietnamese, is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities. DRD has built a network of over … A Life Made Beautiful for All: Nguyễn Văn Cử (Doi Rat Dep Social Enterprise)

Enabling Village: A Model for Universal Design and Inclusive Living (SG Enable)

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Singapore is a trailblazer in many fields, including its commitment to the inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities. In 2015, Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development together with SG Enable, Singapore’s focal agency for disability, launched Enabling Village. This is a first-of-its-kind community space that caters to people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and … Enabling Village: A Model for Universal Design and Inclusive Living (SG Enable)

Inclusive Employment is Good for Business: Francis Reyes (CEO of Caravan Food Group, Inc. Philippines)

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Disability is not a barrier to excelling in one’s job. Caravan Food Group, Inc. (CFGI) founder Francis G. Reyes realised this as a young boy. When he once stepped into a clothing store, the only help he received came from a staff member wearing a nameplate that said “Deaf.” The professionalism and quality of customer … Inclusive Employment is Good for Business: Francis Reyes (CEO of Caravan Food Group, Inc. Philippines)

Self-Advocacy and Shaping Policy: Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut (The ASEAN Community Blind Forum)

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Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut, fondly known as Apple, began advocating for disability rights in middle school. Now, she is the Director of the International Cooperation Section in the Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. She also serves as Vice President of the Thailand Association of the Blind and actively organises the ASEAN Community Blind … Self-Advocacy and Shaping Policy: Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut (The ASEAN Community Blind Forum)

ASEAN Online Forum on the Future of Work: Empowering Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN’s Workforce

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Highlights of the Policy Brief The empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) holds immense potential for ASEAN’s economic and social development. Yet, significant challenges often leave them confined to informal, low-wage employment with no job security or financial safety nets. Specifically, women with disabilities remain among the most marginalised groups, facing overlapping layers of discrimination, … ASEAN Online Forum on the Future of Work: Empowering Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN’s Workforce

Disability Inclusion, Technology, and the Digital Economy in ASEAN: A Path to Inclusive Growth

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, persons with disabilities— including physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities—represent 16 per cent of the world’s population. This is equivalent to 1.3 billion people, 80 per cent of whom acquired their disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64. Data from the UN Economic and Social Commission … Disability Inclusion, Technology, and the Digital Economy in ASEAN: A Path to Inclusive Growth

Invisible Exploitation: The Intersection between Disability and Human Trafficking

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On the bustling streets of cities like Bangkok, amidst the vibrant markets and towering skyscrapers, lies a hidden crisis: human trafficking. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions across the ASEAN region. Within this already vulnerable population exists an even more marginalised subset: persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are victims … Invisible Exploitation: The Intersection between Disability and Human Trafficking

Advancing Disability Rights in Viet Nam: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

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Viet Nam is firmly committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, with over 6.2 million people, or 7.06 per cent of its population, living with disabilities. At the regional level, Viet Nam’s leadership role in promoting disability rights and disability inclusion is notably demonstrated, alongside Thailand, based on the mid-term review of the … Advancing Disability Rights in Viet Nam: Best Practices and Lessons Learned