Advocating for People with Disabilities in Iraq

This past February marked an important day in our new journey into grassroots advocacy: we held our first community meeting for and about people with disabilities.

The meeting took place in the town hall of a small town approximately 20 minutes outside of Duhok. Those attending were mothers, siblings, friends, caregivers, special education teachers, and NGO staff - all connected in some way, shape, or form to people with disabilities and sharing a burden for them.

But when we looked around, we noticed that some very important people were missing: the people with disabilities themselves!

In that moment, two siblings jumped to their feet; next to them, a teacher also rose and disappeared momentarily. A few minutes later, we witnessed what may have been the most beautiful moment of this humble community meeting. Children with disabilities rolled into the room in their wheelchairs, the entire community gazing upon the newly arrived guests. With smiles and welcoming gestures, they found their spot amidst our circle - and so we began our first meeting, in which we spoke of our dreams and desires.

What could this village look like in 10 years? What would it look like if kids with disabilities could roll into the local schools? Later find work at the local store? Be enrolled as students at university?

We are curious to see what will come out of this small yet significant community group. After modeling our grassroots community development tools in this town, we aim to invite changemakers from the different communities of the multiethnic and multireligious society Operation Mercy works in here in Northern Iraq.

Thank you for journeying with us.