People with learning disabilities often experience social discrimination and may face challenges accessing to equal opportunities in their pursuit of education, career, healthcare, and social interactions.

‘Disability perception gap’ refers to the difference in attitudes, beliefs, and understanding of disabilities among people, which can impact the experiences and treatment of individuals with disabilities (Dixon et al., 2018). Even worse, it disempowers the individuals with disabilities and creates a barrier for them to live the lives they want (Dixon et al., 2018).

(Photo credit: United Voice)

Crucial yet often overlooked, the need for acceptance holds immense significance beyond just validation or fitting in. The society holds responsibility in closing the disability perception gap, encouraging positive attitudes, and providing equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in learning (United Nations, 2006). This can only be achieved through raising awareness and promoting education about the acceptance of people with disabilities in learning.

This aligns perfectly with the United Voice’s mission to advocate and to ensure that people with learning disabilities are given the equal rights to access to education, employment, community, and be respected as normal individuals. By equipping the individuals with learning disabilities with the necessary tools, experiences, and platforms to work and socialise, they can take control of their lives and make contributions to the society, just like anyone else.

United Voice also conducts self-advocacy training and awareness programs, workshop, and conferences for their members as well as other self-advocacy groups and Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDKs) in Malaysia. It also provides support for parents to learn the importance of self-advocacy in the lives of a person with learning disabilities. Platforms like gift shop, art gallery are set up at their premise, allowing their members to showcase their work to the public.

(Photo credit: United Voice)

Aligned with our commitment of treating people fairly, we formed a strategic partnership with Visa to launch the first corporate social responsibility (CSR)-linked Visa prepaid card in Malaysia. The first numberless card in Malaysia is created to champion inclusivity by incorporating artwork by Damien Wong, a talented artist from United Voice who was diagnosed with autism at a young age.

In its early phase, the campaign successfully raised funds for United Voice supporting their projects that drive new employment opportunities by upskilling, training, and educating people with learning disabilities. The campaign not only aimed to generate immediate funds but also sought to raise long-term awareness for the cause and empower individuals with learning disabilities to develop the necessary skills to live independently. Thus, each Visa card application served as a demonstration of the public’s support for the artwork of United Voice.

Read about the campaign: Touch ‘n Go launches first CSR-linked Visa prepaid card in Malaysia