Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) serves as an annual reminder to all, most especially those of us doing the daily work, to pause and reflect on how far we have progressed in the past 365 days.
At Upili we focus on the fact accessibility, in its multifaceted nature, extends beyond physical accommodations to encompass the psychosocial support crucial for holistic inclusion.
For our Youth with Disabilities, the absence of adequate psychosocial support impedes their ability to thrive on par with their typically abled peers. This throttling of talent not only hampers personal growth it erects barriers to accessing opportunities in other realms of life, most importantly graduating secondary school and securing decent employment.
At Upili, we recognize the significance of providing comprehensive support to Students with Disabilities, their parents/caregivers, teachers, administration and staff. Through our group counseling sessions tailored to the population’s unique needs, counselors foster self-awareness, resilience, and the interpersonal skills essential for navigating stigma and possessing the confidence to lead with their talents not their disabilities.
By addressing the psychosocial dimensions of accessibility, Upili empowers students as they progress from secondary school out into the world to actively contribute to creating inclusive environments. In the workplace our graduates are equipped with the support and skills cultivated through Upili, and can assert their lived perspectives enriching organizational diversity and innovation.
At Upili GAAD serves as our yearly check-in.
A reminder of the ongoing imperative to prioritize accessibility in its entirety and the importance of pausing to see how we, collectively, are doing.
Extending beyond ramps and assistive technologies, Upili’s work around creating a culture of understanding, empathy, and support is paramount. Central to our endeavor, and most important on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, is the cultivation of self-confidence for Youth with Disabilities. Despite years of discouragement, this inner belief in their potential will be the key to unlocking the doors of employment opportunities.
As Upili empowers our Participants to navigate societal obstacles and discrimination with resilience, ensuring that each individual possesses the confidence to not just survive, but thrive–we strive to consistently embody the very essence of Global Accessibility Awareness Day every day.
