By Steven Smalley | Project Supervisor
Earlier this year, we started a community meeting for the parents and family members of kids with disabilities in a little village in Northern Iraq.
At our first meeting, a few curious parents had already arrived. A couple more grandmas and siblings trickled into the large village hall. Pleasantries were exchanged. Tea was served. We could tell that some of the parents were wondering when we would get started. But the kids with disabilities we had invited were not there. I asked one teenage girl, “Where is your sister Haneen?” She replied in surprise, “Oh, we didn’t know she was supposed to come.”
“Of course! Her voice is really valuable.” So, the sister ran home to get Haneen, and a few of us carried her wheelchair up the stairs to get into the inaccessible old hall.
Meanwhile, a few of the men went to Fady's house, another boy with severe scoliosis and cerebral palsy.
“You’re invited! We need you at this meeting.” Delighted and surprised, Omed directed his electric wheelchair to the Hall, proudly accompanied by our physical therapist.
Ten minutes later, we could begin. Because for disabilities advocacy, we know that there is “Nothing about us without us.” For the ensuing meetings, parents brought their kids with disabilities, knowing this was a different type of place.
Thank you for your interest and support on this advocacy journey.
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