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The image shows the “Make the Right Real in Malaysia” logo of The OKU Rights Matter website and a protest by a group of disabled people holding placards for disability rights for people in Malaysia

Beyond the Hashtag: What “Nothing about Us without Us” Actually Means

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.
The image shows the “Make the Right Real in Malaysia” logo of The OKU Rights Matter website and a protest by a group of disabled people holding placards for disability rights for people in Malaysia

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.
The image shows the “Make the Right Real in Malaysia” logo of The OKU Rights Matter website and an image of two smiling brothers, the older with his right hand over the right shoulder of the younger one with spinal muscular atrophy and using a wheelchair.

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.
The image shows the “Make the Right Real in Malaysia” logo of The OKU Rights Matter website and a Deaf mother teaching Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM) (Malaysian Sign Language) to her hearing children who are now skilful multilingual communicators.

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.
The image shows the “Make the Right Real in Malaysia” logo of The OKU Rights Matter website and a Deaf mother teaching Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM) (Malaysian Sign Language) to her hearing children who are now skilful multilingual communicators.

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.
The image shows the “Make the Right Real in Malaysia” logo of The OKU Rights Matter website and a Deaf mother teaching Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM) (Malaysian Sign Language) to her hearing children who are now skilful multilingual communicators.

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.