The phrase “Nothing about Us without Us” highlights issues of tokenism in Malaysian policymaking. Organizations often engage communities superficially, failing to include them in meaningful decision-making. True inclusion requires co-designing policies with affected groups, granting them real power and authority, rather than merely informing them of decisions already made.

Category: Advocacy
Disability Pride Month
The Disability Pride Flag, designed by Ann Magill in 2019 and updated in 2021, symbolizes various disabilities through specific colors. The flag represents mourning for victims of ableist violence and promotes visibility for disabled individuals. Its design conveys messages of hope, creativity, and acknowledgment of diverse disabilities within the community.
10 Things People Often Miss in Accessibility Compliance When Drawing Up Plans
The article highlights ten common mistakes in accessibility compliance observed among architects and designers. Key oversights include inadequate ramp design, insufficient space in accessible toilets, and poor placement of switches and doors. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive planning from the outset and designing for real user experiences to enhance usability and safety for everyone.
A Reminder of the Toothless Tiger — Persons with Disabilities Act, 2008: how can DBKL and other local authorities make a difference?
The Persons with Disabilities Act, 2008, while asserting rights to accessibility, significantly lacks enforceability and effective legal remedies. Local authorities like DBKL can enhance compliance and accountability by combining the Act with international standards, documenting failures, advocating for amendments, and using lived experiences to encourage reform, especially as Malaysia ages.
Teaching Hands Speaking: Two Tasks, One Love
The article discusses the importance of Deaf teachers in promoting Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) and the need for a deeper understanding of its linguistic aspects. It highlights the growth of BIM content on social media, while cautioning about potential misinterpretations of different signing systems. The author emphasizes structured learning from qualified sources as vital for effective communication with the Deaf community.
A Global Civil Society statement in defence of the UN & Multilateralism
A Global Civil Society statement in defence of the UN & Multilateralism The OKU Rights Matter Project joined in endorsing the global civil society statement urging defence of the United Nations as the global architecture for multilateralis 1,200+ Feminist Civil…
Beyond Free Education: Why Disability Inclusion Needs a Stronger PwD Act
The coalition SUARA16% advocates for amending Malaysia’s Persons with Disabilities Act, citing that free education alone does not ensure access to higher education for disabled individuals. Despite acknowledging barriers in school systems, current education plans lack concrete reforms. The act requires strengthening to enforce rights and enhance inclusion of persons with disabilities in education.
The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF)
The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) NG Lai-Thin of The OKU Rights Matter Project was part of the initial working group on drafting the Disability-inclusive Language Guidelines. The drafting of the Guidelines is the initiative of The…
Challenges to Accessing Justice: Case of Deaf Grab (e-hailing service) Driver
Press Items that Illustrate Challenges to Accessing Justice: Case of Deaf Grab (e-hailing service) Driver Form RCI to probe assaults linked to royalty, Latheefa says, by MalaysiaKini, 26 October 2024 While Ong waits for justice, PM recalls being subjected to…
Project Lily: First Light – An Accessible and Inclusive PFA Initiative
Project Lily: First Light support initiative announcement. It is a Psychological First Aid (PFA) service to support Malaysian disability community in response to the recent school violence and safety issues in the country.
The Power of Your Words Over “OKU”: The Harm of Careless Headlines
Reflections on the meaning of power in disability advocacy in the Malaysian OKU community.
Reflections on Power, Advocacy, and What’s Next for Our OKU Community in Malaysia
Reflections on the meaning of power in disability advocacy in the Malaysian OKU community.




