Breaking Barriers: Advancing Disability Inclusion Through Innovation, Arts, and Economic Empowerment
True inclusion for people with disabilities goes beyond accessibility—it requires systemic change in employment, entrepreneurship, health, education, and the arts. This session will explore how technology, economic inclusion programs, and creative initiatives can drive disability rights and empowerment. How can we leverage entrepreneurship and government-led initiatives to expand employment opportunities? What role does technology play in making workplaces, healthcare, and education more accessible? How can arts and cultural heritage serve as a catalyst for connection, representation, and empowerment for people with disabilities?
Through an interactive discussion, participants will examine disability-inclusive policies, the impact of access to visual information in arts and education, and strategies for scaling inclusion programs across sectors. The session will highlight ways to shift from token inclusion to meaningful participation, ensuring that people with disabilities are not just accommodated but actively contributing as leaders and innovators.
Key Questions:
How can entrepreneurship and economic inclusion programs create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities?
What role does technology play in advancing disability inclusion in employment, health, and education?
How can arts and culture serve as a bridge between communities and a tool for empowerment?
What policies and systemic changes are needed to integrate disability inclusion into global development efforts?
How can governments, businesses, and social enterprises collaborate to scale disability-inclusive initiatives?
This session will provide a collaborative space to explore innovative strategies for disability inclusion, fostering cross-sector solutions that create lasting impact.
Session Co-Leaders:
Elizabeth Sidell – Business Development Advisor at IFES, enhancing business communications and partnerships to support free and fair elections worldwide.
Romi Navarrete – Head of Community at Seedstars, fostering global connections in VC and impact investment to drive innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Hudson Asiema - CEO at Deaf Elimu Plus: Ed-tech company revolutionizing accessible education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community in Kenya, advancing inclusive education for the Deaf by integrating technology, accessibility, and artificial intelligence
Karla Henson - Executive Director of Lifehaven Centre for Independent Living: Organization driving disability-led advocacy, accessibility audits, independent living, paralegal services and research in the Philippines
Julius Mbura - Manager at inABLE, Blind content creator: Empowering blind and visually impaired children and youth through computer-assistive technology skills training.
Maria Omare – Executive Director and Founder of The Action Foundation, championing disability inclusion and leading impactful initiatives for children and youth with disabilities.