Empowered Voices: A Self-Advocate’s Journey on Making an Impact on Inclusion in Singapore

The voices of people with intellectual disability are essential to the success of self-advocacy. When they speak up for themselves, their voices are authentic and can influence policy making, as well as promoting inclusion in society. The purpose of this paper is to provide a personal insight of a self-advocate’s impact on promoting inclusive participation in society.

The self-advocate uses a narrative method to share his personal insight and story. His self-advocacy journey is supported by his mother and a small team who have been supporting him over time. It is important to emphasize that the self-advocate developed the concept and initial writing of this paper. This paper also builds on previous research about “Our Lives, Our Voices” (OLOV), a self-advocacy programme in Singapore.

The personal insight shows self-advocacy is effective in building a self-advocate’s confidence and communication skills in increasing disability awareness and promoting inclusion. When people with intellectual disability are provided the opportunity to be part of decision-making and exercise their citizenship responsibilities, their voices can positively impact on society and at an international level. This personal narrative of a self-advocate further shows the importance of inclusive research where these advocates take lead to share their stories.

Empowering people with intellectual disability to share their stories builds not only their confidence and independence, but their voices can inspire understanding and strengthen communities by reminding everyone that should be included in society. This personal narrative provides a level of authenticity in inclusive research.