The idea for the cafe came from Sharon Lee’s concern for her daughter, Su Anne, a Special Olympics Malaysia athlete, who is globally delayed and has an attention deficit disorder. Global developmental delay (GDD) is a condition that occurs when a child has significant delays in multiple areas of development. Sharon explains further, “I wanted to create a space for her where she has a job and is independent.” Her idea resonated with other mothers of PWIDs, some of whom were Special Olympics Malaysia athletes as well, who wanted to provide them with the opportunity to thrive. Sharon adds, “We’re not looking at making lots of money. It’s more for them to be able to do some work, instead of sitting at home.”

For many people with disabilities, finding employment can seem arduous due to societal bias, discrimination and limited opportunities. Tender Hearts offers a rare alternative- a space where young people with intellectual disabilities can develop essential work skills and social confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment. “It gives our kids the opportunity to be in the working world, to go out, meet with people, and interact,” says Siti Mariam, another mother involved with the cafe.

Despite the lack of experience in running a food business, the mothers of Tender Hearts pushed forward. “We were not trained,” says Siti. “Sharon is good at cooking, but we’ve never run a cafe.” Yet, every step forward, from baking cookies to running bazaars, was an accomplishment. This drive to create something sustainable and productive for their children has turned into a thriving space where youth gain skills and take pride in their work—no matter how small the tasks are, like wiping tables or serving customers. 

Explaining the connection with Special Olympics Malaysia, Sharon shared how the former national director of Special Olympics Malaysia had volunteered at the café to support the PWIDs. The then director also recognised the potential in Su Anne, mentored her, and provided her with a public speaking opportunity to share her story at a Special Olympics Malaysia public event. Sharon recalled, “I was nervous at first, but when the opportunity was offered, I was so happy that Sue Anne wanted to do it.”

One such young person is Azri, who has been working at Tender Hearts for several years. He’s seen significant growth in his independence. “I like to serve. I like to wash. I can teach everyone,” Azri says proudly. Sharon adds, “He’s independent now. He knows when to clock in, where to put his bags, and what he needs to do next.”

For many of the youth at Tender Hearts, their jobs go beyond just getting tasks done—it’s about gaining responsibility, pride, and a sense of belonging. This sense of community is central to Tender Hearts. Siti shares, “My son always refers to his friends here as his brothers and sisters. It’s not just about work. It’s about caring for each other.” The cafe is a place where young people are not only valued for their work but for who they are as people.

Looking back on the journey, Sharon sees both progress and challenges. “We’ve survived over seven years. It’s not easy, but they’re learning to be independent and care for one another,” she says. The collaboration with Special Olympics has also been key in complementing these efforts in helping these young people lead independent and fulfilling lives.

The ultimate goal for Tender Hearts is to become a model of inclusion, where young people with intellectual disabilities can lead fully independent lives. “We hope one day this cafe will be run entirely by them,” says Siti. “They’ll know how to handle the accounting, the budgeting, the marketing… they’ll run it themselves.”

For now, Azri’s simple words capture the spirit of Tender Hearts: “I like working here. I want to stay here. It’s good here. I’m happy.” Happiness, after all, comes from having a sense of purpose—and for the youth at Tender Hearts, that purpose is exactly what they’ve found in this safe, inclusive space. 

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The post Tender Hearts: Gaining independence & purpose through acts of service appeared first on Human RACE.

Among these athletes were two young men from Special Olympics Indonesia, Alif Dafa Maulana, a 20-year-old athlete with intellectual disabilities (ID) from Surakarta, Central Java, and his unified partner, Evelino Dilam (Lino), also 20, from the highlands of Pegunungan Bintang, Papua.

Unified Sports® brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) through sport and competitions to help drive social inclusion, foster meaningful friendships, build mutual understanding and connect in ways they might not otherwise. Together, unified pairs celebrate each other’s strengths and showcase the impact of inclusion, both on and off the field.

Growing up, Alif felt that he lacked direction in his life. While attending a mainstream school, he witnessed others being bullied, and this had a knock-on effect of wearing down his confidence, even when he was not the target.

At 17, Alif eventually transitioned to a special needs school and recalled feeling extremely anxious as he was worried his disability might embarrass his family. However, it was in school that he discovered a passion for football, and with it, a renewed sense of purpose.

His unified partner, Lino, enjoyed staying active. Growing up, he would head into the jungle with makeshift catapults and bows to hunt birds. Later, he joined a football club in Semarang, where he first learned about Special Olympic Indonesia’s club outreach program and was eventually given the opportunity to take part in the Special Olympics South Asia Unified Football Competition as a unified partner.

While excited to compete outside of his home country, Lino admitted to feeling apprehensive as he had little experience working with people with ID.  “I was a little nervous, mostly about how we would communicate (with Alif) during the game.” Thankfully, Alif’s easygoing nature and openness quickly put Lino at ease, and they quickly bonded at the training center. 

For Alif, seeing Lino’s familiar features, reminiscent of a friend from Papua New Guinea, was comforting. This familiarity likely contributed to Alif’s instant trust in Lino and his decision to choose him as a partner. Alif affectionately calls him “kakak” (older brother), and Lino admires Alif’s joyful personality, saying, “every day, he makes me smile and laugh.”

Through unified sports, Alif found a safe space to build his self-confidence. The partnership has been transformative for both young men.

For Alif, being part of a unified pair with Lino meant having someone to rely on and confide in, a teammate who understood his journey and supported him unconditionally. Reflecting on their time together, Alif shared that Lino’s patience and adaptability were essential to his comfort on the field. “A good, unified partner is one who can communicate well and has the patience to face athletes like me,” he said. On the flip side, Lino said, “Alif showed me that having patience and understanding is important, not just in sports but in life.” 

Alif’s self-esteem blossomed as he developed a stronger sense of self-reliance and independence. “These skills will help him to play sports better, as he becomes more confident and independent,” Lino noted. “He’ll also be able to help more at home, making his parents proud and sharing his experiences with his friends and peers.”

The competition itself was more than just a sports event, it was an opportunity to bring to life the values of inclusion, unity, and mutual respect. In addition to sports, complimentary health screenings that focused on eye health, dentistry, and nutrition, reinforcing a holistic commitment by Special Olympics Asia Pacific to inclusive health and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities.

As Alif and Lino’s friendship blossomed, so did their passion to advocate for others with intellectual disabilities. “We want people to know that athletes like us have strengths too,” Alif shared. Lino added, “I want to share my experience playing with athletes with ID to show others that it’s possible to work together, have fun, and learn. They’re not just good teammates—they’re good people.”

The friendship between the two boys is a reminder that inclusion is not just a goal but an ongoing journey—one that transforms lives, bridges perceived differences, and connects people from across all walks of life.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post Beyond the Game: Alif and Lino’s Journey in Unity  appeared first on Human RACE.

Affectionately known as “Adik,” or younger sibling in Malay, by her mother Rosni, the 19-year-old is the youngest of four children.

From an early age, Syakila battled health issues and developmental delays. Rosni recalled that her daughter as a baby was frequently beset by fevers, necessitating monthly hospital visits.

Amidst these circumstances Syakila’s family fully believed in her potential, actively seeking ways to help her grow and cultivate her independence. Since Syakila was young, she has been independent and was always encouraged to be, said Rosni.

A pivotal moment in her journey arrived when Syakila was introduced to the sport of badminton when her schoolteacher brought her to Malacca to join a Special Olympics selection practice for badminton. It was there that she got to meet coach Kristil, who proved to be a transformative mentor and a second “mummy” in her life, as Syakila affectionately references her.

“Coach Kristil helped me hone my talent in badminton and she taught me to become a brave person. Win or lose, we have to be confident in ourselves,” she said.

Her successful selection to compete at the Berlin World Summer Games last year came at a pivotal moment just three days after she completed reconstructive surgery on her face. Syakila recalled the joy of being chosen for the competition, “I felt so happy because I got to represent Malaysia and play badminton in Berlin.”

Her experiences in Berlin marked a turning point, not just for her skills, but in her personality that grew more confident and outgoing. “Syakila’s biggest change was when she went to Berlin alone. She learned to be independent there. Whatever she wants, she can achieve herself. She even made friends with strangers,” coach Kristil reflected with pride.

Nevertheless, there were certainly nerves that came about when competing at such a large-scale event. “Before competing, I would cry first to release all the fear in me and compete well,” Syakila said explaining her coping mechanism.

It seemed to be a strategy that worked, Syakila went on to win one silver and two bronze medals. She said, “If there’s a chance I would like to compete in badminton again, represent Malaysia and make my parents proud again.”

Observing the growth in her daughter, Rosni added, “Syakila’s biggest change was when she went to Germany alone, she learned to be independent there. Whatever she wants, she can achieve it herself.”

That independent streak and passionate pursuit of her interests is certainly evident in the strong, confident person that Syakila is today. She passed her driving test on her first try and now drives around whenever she has the opportunity to.

She also enjoys baking and plans to take an exam to test her skills and competency in pastry making. Her dream? To become a well-regarded baker one day.

Syakila’s plea to communities is heartfelt, “Don’t bully us (people with intellectual disabilities) and discourage us. Don’t ever make us feel like we’re less able.” Coach Kristil added, “We should never look down on people with intellectual disabilities. Together, we should give them a chance, help them, motivate them, and one day, they can become greater than us all.”

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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Her transition from athlete to coach came with some hesitation. “I wasn’t sure about SOBD at first,” she admits, reflecting on her uncertainty about the organization and her capacity within it. Although Asia had experience growing up around family members with special needs, working with athletes with intellectual disabilities in a sports setting was entirely new to her. She was also unfamiliar with Special Olympics and had never heard of the movement before joining it.

Fortunately, she found ample resources to guide her. Her journey began with a general orientation to Special Olympics, which included an introductory course on coaching individuals with intellectual disabilities and learning specific coaching tactics. 

Asia furthered her coaching skills by earning her Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Level C diploma, in 2019 through a training co-hosted by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP). This certification is tailored for coaches who are committed to developing and coaching youths. It equips coaches with basic coaching principles, methodologies, and processes. It also focuses on how coaches can help players develop their understanding of football, including the technical aspects of the game.

She continued to advance her training by completing her Level B diploma with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) in 2020. The diploma provided her with a valuable opportunity to improve her skillsets and is designed to enhance coaching standards through a mix of theoretical, practical and assessments to ensure competency.

Her commitment towards improving her knowledge and gaining experience, along with her dedication to helping the community grow, has been evident throughout her journey.

A significant milestone in her coaching career came in 2019 when she led a team at the inaugural Special Olympic International Football Championship in Chennai, India, for the first time. Coach Asia’s work extends far beyond coaching. Before the 2023 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Berlin, SOBD organized several training camps in Dhaka. These camps, which ranged between 2 weeks to 2 months, brought together athletes from across Bangladesh and pushed both the athletes and coaches to their limits. “The athletes I’ve worked with have taught me the importance of managing my emotions by setting clear boundaries and treating each of them with respect ” she says, highlighting how this experience has shaped her coaching approach.

This close interaction fostered strong bonds within the team. They ate, trained, and spent time together, with athletes often turning to her for support. Asia even learned basic sign language to better communicate with her team, as some of her athletes are hearing-impaired. “There’s a lot of unspoken understanding on the field,” she notes. The team looks out for each other, working towards common goals.

In a culture where people with intellectual disabilities often face isolation, discrimination, and rejection, Coach Asia’s relationships with her athletes are particularly meaningful. “They don’t get enough love in our culture, and many in society still view them as a burden, but I believe they are exceptionally talented,” she says.

Coach Asia is especially proud of players like Shorna Akter, who captained the team to a gold medal at the World Games and returned to her village as a hero. Asia believes Shorna is as skilled as any professional player and emphasizes the need to change perceptions and recognize the strengths of these athletes.

Coach Asia’s dedication has also touched her family. “My husband loves these athletes, maybe even more than I do,” she shares.

Through her work at SOBD, Coach Asia Khatun Bithi exemplifies how dedication and compassion can nurture talent and create a supportive community. Her journey has given her a deeper appreciation and understanding of the importance of providing support and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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When Sis-qo was just eight months old, he contracted meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding his brain and spinal cord. His condition was so severe that it left him on the brink of death. “We thought we lost him,” Bosco reflects.

The uncertainty surrounding Sis-qo’s recovery was daunting. Initially the prognosis looked dismal, but the little boy somehow miraculously survived. Nevertheless, the doctors cautioned that there would be long-term health complications, and his condition could lead to other severe impairments such as blindness.

Bosco and Sis-qo traveled to Melbourne for further medical evaluation where he was found to be deaf and prone to fits and seizures, explains Bosco. While the possibility of inserting a cochlear implant, a small, complex electronic device that facilitates hearing, was explored, Bosco eventually decided not to take this up. He explains that he feared the operation would further aggravate his son’s condition given the severity of his seizures. “I knew his brain is fragile so, I didn’t want them to operate on him and put something in him.”

Despite the challenges faced with Sis-qo’s health, Bosco’s focus remained on his son’s progress. Bosco first started volunteering with the Paralympics but eventually transitioned to become a coach with Special Olympics Nauru as the movement was then picking up momentum.

The transition and involvement with Special Olympics marked a new chapter of possibilities for Sis-qo who started participating in sports and competitions, with his debut international competition being held in Fiji.

Bosco shared that his son trained in various sports including running and shot put, and later transitioned to weightlifting. “He’s been doing weightlifting training since 13, then we started competing overseas.”

Sis-qo’s persistence and hard work eventually led to significant sporting achievements. At the Berlin World Games last year, he nabbed four gold medals. These wins were for deadlift, bench press, squat and combined lifts (for deadlift, bench press and squat).. “I’m very, very proud. I’m very happy for him,” Bosco beams.  

Along with the medals, participation in Special Olympics has brought Sis-qo a sense of belonging and community. “He loves them (his fellow athletes),” Bosco observes. “He knows that they’re part of him.”

Sis-qo’s victory is especially sweet, especially since Special Olympics Nauru almost did not make it to the World Games last year due to a lack of funding.

Special Olympics Asia Pacific had stepped in with a fundraising initiative to raise funds, successfully raising sufficient funds for a small delegation from Nauru to fly to Berlin to chase their dreams and compete at the World Games.

Bosco also highlights the broader need for community support and involvement for people with intellectual disabilities. “Back home, usually the government provides some funds for housing, some sports equipment and facilities,” he explains. Despite some support, Bosco identifies critical gaps. “The lack of volunteering is an issue,” he says. “There’s not enough people, if I do power training and then, track and field after that, I can’t take up more, there needs to be another coach volunteering to help with other sports.”

Drawing from his experiences at Special Olympics, Bosco hopes for a bright future for Sis-qo. “I hope he will stay in the Special Olympics and continues to enjoy his sport with his friends,” he says. Sis-qo’s future is seen not just in terms of competitive success but also in personal fulfillment.  

“He’s been looking forward to his marriage. Hopefully, when we go back, we can raise funds for it,” Bosco adds, reflecting on the next chapter of Sis-qo’s life with hope and anticipation. 

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post The journey of Sis-qo Cain: Through a father’s lens appeared first on Human RACE.

Reflecting on his journey, Andrew shares, “I have an intellectual disability, but I found a home here. I found people I could communicate with. I found people whose company I enjoyed.”  

In the spirit of inclusion and acceptance, he found the confidence to be himself, and reminds us that, “no matter how different you are, it’s okay to be yourself.”  

For him the games are about building connections through shared experiences and a platform to realise and achieve dreams. “I’ve actually achieved one of my dreams. I got married. Ticked that one off the list,” he chuckles, reminiscing about walking hand-in-hand with his wife, Vicki Robbins, a fellow Bocce athlete with Special Olympics Australia, at the World Games opening ceremony in Berlin last year. 

Recalling his transformation before he started being active in Special Olympics, he said “I was very homebound. I wasn’t too confident, it wasn’t until I started my Special Olympics journey. That’s where I got my start. So, yes, I feel very privileged to be with Special Olympics.” 

But Andrew’s journey goes beyond the games. “Through Mari,” he explains, referring to his friend and coach, “I found people I could talk to. I found people who made me feel at home.” 

Amidst the competition, Andrew’s jokes and playful banter bring lighthearted moments of laughter to his teammates and community, reinforcing the importance of joy that can be found in simple things. “It’s like being a smart aleck. It gets people laughing,” he jokes. 

Andrew’s tale shows what Special Olympics is all about – forging genuine relationships, breaking barriers and creating communities where no one is left behind.  

After all, victories aren’t just about winning medals – they’re about the friendships forged, the challenges overcome, and the lives touched. As Andrew Robbins and countless others have discovered, in the spirit of play, we find unity, purpose, and above all, connection. 

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post A playful heart finds its home: Australia’s first Special Olympics Bocce gold medalist appeared first on Human RACE.

Her keen eye spotted the potential in both athletes, believing that they could represent Special Olympics Fiji at the 2023 Berlin World Games.

The prospect of competing in an unfamiliar sport in the Games was daunting. Badminton itself was a completely new sport for Teresia and Vuetasau. There was also a lack of professional sporting facilities or major competitions for athletes with ID in Fiji. Yet, Tagici’s dedication and trust in her athletes shone through.

“This is a first-time experience for them to have such a competition,” Tagici explained. “We don’t have competitions such as this. We just play amongst ourselves. And badminton is not a well-known sport either back in Fiji.”

“I train them on how to hold a racquet, how to play with a shuttle, how to serve. Those are little steps, unlike other countries where they are well familiar with badminton rules, here we are learning the rules as we go by,” she continued.

Tagici’s commitment went beyond coaching techniques. To facilitate twice-daily training and transportation challenges, Teresia and Vuetasau lived and trained intensively at her house for the last three months before the games. This shared living fostered a close-knit family bond in the lead-up to the games.

The journey to the games led to many firsts for both athletes. For instance, it was their first time to Berlin.

“It’s an honor to be here and we are very much privileged, happy and excited to participate in the World Games… this is a new experience altogether,” Tagici said. “Playing in such a competition at this higher level with other teams from other countries. It’s been a learning experience for us.”

In the face of challenges, Tagici’s belief in her athletes’ grit and talent paid off. Their improvement was evident. Tagici reminds wider society that ultimately, inclusion needs to be holistic. While the World Games has been good exposure for people with ID, she stresses that inclusive behavior needs to be practiced widely in our daily lives, beyond just sports and competitions. “Some parts of society just leave them at home and don’t include them. Inclusion is for everybody.”

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post To serve with love: A Fiji coach’s story appeared first on Human RACE.

Harumi is a dedicated basketball coach, and Natsumi, her daughter, is a spirited athlete with Special Olympics Nippon. Through the ups and downs of competition, they discovered not just the thrill and adrenaline that come from sports and competition, but also the joy of teamwork, and forging a closer, deeper connection with each other.

Natsumi first found out about Special Olympics five years ago through her school. Intrigued by the sporting movement that focuses on athletes with intellectual disabilities, she signed up alongside her mother to be a part of the Special Olympics Nippon Basketball team.

Natsumi started playing basketball when she first entered high school and plays the role of point guard on her team. A player in this position runs the team’s offense by controlling the ball and facilitates scoring opportunities for their teammates, or sometimes themselves.

“I must use my head all the time when I play, such as giving various signals or speaking to my teammates while moving. It’s tough, but I learned that basketball is a really fun sport, and I’m happy when I work well with my team to score a shot,” says Natsumi.

More recently, Natsumi played at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023. Recalling one of the more memorable matches she played during the Games, she said: “The players from the opposing team were quite tall and had a great proficiency in three-point shots. However, I didn’t give up. While I may have lost today, I will persist in using my strengths to secure victories eventually,” she said.

The determined sportswomen added, “I may be small, but my strength lies in defense.” In every game, she aimed to enhance her defensive skills, constantly striving to improve her sporting prowess.

Harumi acknowledges that Natsumi faces challenges both on and off the court as a person with intellectual disabilities, Hence, she sees every match as a win and applauds her daughter for her steadfastness and courage. “I feel very thankful that I can watch my daughter on the court and see her cheer up other players. It makes me very happy,” she says.

Beyond the court, their bond as mother and daughter shines brightest. Through all the victories and setbacks, they stand deeply supportive of each other.

Harumi sums it up, “I hope that everyone knows that they can find a place where they can shine and, whether with or without a disability, they can play sports that bring everyone together.”

Harumi and Natsumi’s story serves as a reminder that our successes are often found not only in medals, but often in the intangible takeaways like human connection and robust relationships forged along the way.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post Shooting for their dreams: A mother and daughter journey appeared first on Human RACE.

For Flordeliza, running isn’t just a sport—it’s a passion that has seen her rise to victory, clinching gold at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. “I’m very happy that I was able to join the competition and win gold,” she shares. 

Yet, beyond the running track, lies other dreams. “I want to be a scientist and a detective,” Flordeliza reveals, reflecting both her curiosity and a desire to explore the world.

At the Special Olympics World Games Healthy Athletes screening, a series of complimentary health screenings across various disciplines, Flordeliza’s hearing issues were initially detected. Unaware of the problem beforehand, she was surprised by the revelation. Subsequently, with the aid of a hearing device, her hearing ability transformed significantly. “Without the hearing aid, there were times when I couldn’t hear clearly. But now, with it, I can hear everything, including footsteps and movement,” she explains. 

“My mother and my sister, Rose, are my biggest supporters,” Flordeliza affirms, highlighting the indispensable role of her family in her journey. Their care and staunch support have been a cornerstone in her pursuit of dreams and achievements. 

However, Flordeliza has not been shielded from the harsh realities of societal challenges, particularly bullying. Her approach involves highlighting the effects of actions, aiming to foster awareness and empathy among others—a manifestation of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Flordeliza’s message about inclusion echoes a plea for understanding and acceptance. She advocates for equal treatment, emphasising that individuals like her should not be ostracised or labeled but embraced as equals in society. 

“Understand that we are also human beings,” Flordeliza advocates, highlighting the need for societal acceptance and inclusion. “Treat us equally. Allow us to be part of society,” she urges.

Her recent win at the World Games is testament to her commitment and capability, bringing home a gold medal for the Philippines. “I’m proud that I won gold and will bring it home,” she declares, her pride radiating through her words. 

And in the heart of Berlin, amidst the thrill of competition, Flordeliza found something more profound than victory—she found a reflection of the Golden Rule in the city’s warmth and kindness. “I really like Berlin. The people here are caring, friendly, and happy,” she shares, reflecting on the city’s embrace. 

Flordeliza Baento’s journey embodies the essence of the Golden Rule—an ethos that goes beyond mere words and becomes a guiding principle for societal change.  

With your support, we can empower more individuals, directly impacting the lives of those striving for success and inclusion. Join us in creating a more inclusive society by volunteering and contributing towards opportunities and resources for athletes like Flordeliza, fostering a world where everyone has the chance to shine.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post Golden Rule: Embody the kindness you seek in others appeared first on Human RACE.

What makes us different from one another? Is it in the clothes we wear, the cultures we come from, or our accents? No two people are ever the same, we are all unique with distinct quirks and differences. But the one thing we do have in common is being human.

In a world that is often divisive, appreciating differences and fostering empathy and compassion may sometimes seem more of an anomaly than the norm.

Thankfully, its stories like the heartwarming friendship between Yumna Masood and Humaira Kazim that illustrate how friendship can trump differences. Though they may seem like two young girls united by their shared love for sports, their unique bond goes far deeper than what meets the eye. Humaira, a remarkable individual with intellectual disability, finds not just a friend in Yumna but a unified partner (individuals without intellectual disabilities that play sport alongside athletes that have intellectual disabilities), mentor, and guide, all wrapped into one incredible friendship.

The two sportswomen earlier represented Pakistan at the Global Youth Leadership Summit in Berlin amidst the backdrop of the World Games. “I have seen so many people represent Pakistan and I am so proud to be a part of this,” said Yumna of the experience.

Despite the pandemic, the duo’s friendship continued to strengthen, guided by mutual respect and reciprocity. Explained Yumna, “In 2020 and 2021, due to Covid, we couldn’t meet each other. So, we would always be on Zoom calls whenever we had projects to work on. If we had to collaborate, we would get on a call. I talk and she listens. Then she would talk, and I would listen.” 

In a distraction-filled world, the duo’s friendship underscores the importance of giving someone undivided attention and active listening. Yumna said, “we tend to talk over people, especially special children, some of which have verbal challenges.” She urges society to embrace differences with respect and acceptance, “I would urge people to have the patience to accept special children. They are really amazing people, if you get to know them. They are beautiful people,” she continued.

Humaira and Yumna’s journey challenges prevailing misconceptions surrounding people with Intellectual Disabilities. It shines a spotlight on the unique skills, potential, and qualities inherent in each person. Their story encourages us to look beyond stereotypes and see individuals as the dream chasers that they are.

It reminds us that inclusivity is within reach, requiring just one person with a different perspective, willing to take that extra step to extend a helping hand. 

What’s next for the two? 

Yumna’s goal is to ultimately be a role model, a beacon of inspiration. “They already call me a youth leader, but I think there is more to it. It’s a long way to go,” she said. 

Humaira adds, “I want to spread awareness in my country about people with intellectual disabilities. Inclusion in society is very important. I want to be a good example for children with intellectual disabilities.”  

Humaira and Yumna are doing their bit for a better tomorrow. It’s time we too, play our part. 

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

The post You got a friend in me: Realising a world where friendship trumps differences appeared first on Human RACE.