Unveiling the Inspiring Story of Sangeeta Krishnasamy: A Trailblazer in Disability Advocacy
Have you ever felt like your life is full of limitations and constraints that make it difficult to pursue your goals and dreams? Meet Sangeeta Krishnasamy – an incredible woman who has defied the odds and overcome significant barriers to advocacy for people with disabilities. In this blog post, we will unravel her inspiring story and learn how she became a trailblazer for disability advocacy.
Who is Sangeeta Krishnasamy?
Sangeeta Krishnasamy is a Malaysian disability rights activist, lawyer, and policy expert. Born with spina bifida, she has been using a wheelchair since the age of 10. Despite facing multiple obstacles, she has accomplished many remarkable feats in her life. She is currently the Vice-President of Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory, a leading disability advocacy group in Malaysia.
Early Challenges
Growing up, Sangeeta had to deal with several challenges. She found it challenging to navigate schools and public places that were not disability-friendly. Her academic journey was also not smooth. However, she was not one to give up easily. She relied on her family’s support and took on the challenge of becoming a lawyer.
Breakthrough moments
Despite the challenges she faced, Sangeeta’s dream of becoming a lawyer never wavered. She became the first person with a physical disability to graduate with an LLB (Hons) degree from the University of Malaya. Her passion for advocacy led her to join the Malaysian Bar, where she offered pro bono legal services to people with disabilities.
Disability Advocacy
Sangeeta Krishnasamy has been an instrumental figure in disability advocacy in Malaysia. She has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of people with disabilities to achieve social inclusion and equal opportunities. Her hard work and dedication led to the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 in Malaysia.
Her Achievements
Sangeeta’s contribution to disability rights in Malaysia has been immense. She has been appointed as a member of several state-level committees for the disabled, including the Selangor State Disability Advisory Council. She also founded the Women with Disabilities Association Selangor, a platform for women with disabilities to share their experiences and advocate for their rights.
Awards and Recognition
Sangeeta Krishnasamy’s work and contributions to the disability community have been widely recognized. She was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Award for Excellence in Development Work in 2018 and the Malaysian Women of Excellence Award in 2019. She has also been recognized as one of the world’s most influential disabled people on the Shaw Trust Power List.
FAQs
Q. How did Sangeeta Krishnasamy become an activist?
A. Sangeeta’s own experience of living with a disability led her to become an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
Q. What were Sangeeta’s contributions to disability rights in Malaysia?
A. Sangeeta’s contributions include advocating for the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and serving on state-level committees for the disabled.
Q. What challenges did Sangeeta face growing up?
A. Sangeeta faced several challenges growing up, including navigating schools and public places that were not disability-friendly.
Q. What awards has Sangeeta received for her advocacy work?
A. Sangeeta has received many awards, including the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Award for Excellence in Development Work and the Malaysian Women of Excellence Award.
Q. What is Sangeeta Krishnasamy’s current role in advocacy?
A. Sangeeta is the Vice-President of Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory, a leading disability advocacy group in Malaysia.
Q. Did Sangeeta receive support from her family?
A. Yes, Sangeeta credits her family’s support as a vital factor in her success.
Q. What barriers did Sangeeta face in pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer?
A. Sangeeta faced several barriers, including inaccessible academic institutions and a lack of disability-friendly accommodations.
Conclusion
Sangeeta Krishnasamy’s life is an inspiration to all of us. Despite her physical limitations, she has pursued her dreams and pushed for the rights of people with disabilities in Malaysia. Her tireless efforts have brought about significant change, and her story serves as a beacon of hope for all those who face challenges in life. Let us all learn from her resilience and drive and work towards building a more inclusive society.