The training dialogue on the inclusion of persons with disability, conducted by the Young Men's Christian Association of Pamunugama under the 'Makalause Dream' project on July 7, 2026, was another step aimed at bringing about an attitudinal change in society.
The program was held in the association’s new youth safe space and was attended by 13 young people, two teachers from the Makalause Dream School, and the General Secretary of the association; it was an occasion that broadened everyone’s knowledge and understanding.
Opening the program, the General Secretary made a presentation on the basic concepts of disability. It was emphasized that disability is a conflict between an individual’s physical or mental impairments and the physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers existing in society, and that the disability lies not within the person, but within those societal barriers.
Special attention was paid to the correct use of language, keeping humanity and respect in mind. The participants well understood the importance of using respectful terms such as "person with disability" instead of derogatory terms like "disabled person", "helpless person." and etc.
In the discussion on theoretical models regarding persons with disability, the need to move away from traditional and charity-based models rooted in old myths and pity toward rights-based and social models was clarified.
Further details were provided on how equal opportunities can be provided to persons with disability through concepts such as Universal Design and Reasonable Accommodation. The legal value of this process was also understood by the participants through an awareness of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), an international commitment accepted by Sri Lanka.
Subsequently, the teachers of the Makalause Dream School shared their practical experiences, discussing steps that can be taken to overcome physical and attitudinal barriers in society, as well as their daily experiences in dealing with children with disability with the youth.
The association expresses its gratitude to World Vision for their financial contribution to the painting of the association's new youth safe space, which facilitated the holding of this program. According to the evaluations conducted at the beginning and end of the program, a clear growth in the knowledge and attitudes of the participating youth toward persons with disability was observed.
This positive attitudinal change within the younger generation will undoubtedly be a great strength in the future activities carried out by the association to build an inclusive society.
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