Inclusion is the way forward: Youth with Disabilities Ask for a Seat at the Table

“See us as capable leaders and change-makers. We have ideas, energy, and ability just like anyone else. We only need the chance and support.” 

These are the words of Nabaa Abdulsatar Abdullah, a young Iraqi multi-talented artist, photographer, and content creator who is using her skills to change the way society views disability. Through drawing and photography, she tells stories that transcend language and resonate especially within the deaf community.

“My work helps others like me to feel seen and heard. I contribute visuals to awareness campaigns for International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Sign Language Day. Art gives me the confidence I need to create a change in the way people view disability”

Nabaa dreams of opening an art and learning center for youth with disabilities – a space to build skills, explore creativity, and access real employment opportunities.

Fighting barriers, not just disability

Nabaa is one of three siblings born with hearing impairments. As challenging as this can be, the real obstacles have come not just from her physical loss but also society. Her experiences mirror those of many others across Iraq, including Bana and Bashdar, who are volunteers at the Sheyaw organization.

“Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher," Bana said, noting that her disability proved to be an obstacle to getting a job. However, her resilience has been stronger in pursuing her dream. "Now I teach English online. I’ve also developed strong communication and collaboration skills which give me the skills set to work in a diverse team."

Until recently, neither Bana nor Bashdar had platforms to share their talents. But that changed especially for Bashdar, when he joined the “Yes we Can” initiative – a youth-focused skills training in Erbil designed to be inclusive and accessible supported by Sheyaw organization.

"One of my main challenges has been finding job opportunities, as people often underestimate my capabilities," said Bashdar, who is currently teaching private Arabic lessons. "My dream is to become an entrepreneur and start a car company that provides jobs for people with disabilities. I also aspire to join parliament to help reform disability laws in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region," he added.

Challenges and opportunities

Although the Iraqi law provides for equality of opportunities for people with disabilities, they continue to face many challenges, including inaccessibility and access to employment remain extremely limited for them. 

Ahmed Saleh Ali who works at the Hassarost Foundation in Kirkuk, an organization supporting people with disabilities, reflects on the broader structural barriers:

“Inaccessibility is still a daily reality. I once met a young man who couldn’t attend school for years because the building had no ramp. Exclusion like this is far too common.”

True inclusion, he added, requires investment in infrastructure, accessible education, inclusive hiring, and early involvement of people with disabilities in every stage of decision-making.

“People with disabilities must be at the table from the beginning. They should be given equal opportunity to design projects, lead events, and help drive change, Saleh Ali says.

UN Iraq supporting an inclusive agenda

In recent years, Iraq has taken tangible steps to support people with disabilities. In 2024, it held its first National Forum for Empowering People with Disabilities, with support from the United Nations and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The forum focused on helping people learn job skills and become financially independent. The UN in Iraq has also been actively engaged with the implementation of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy to strengthen partnerships with disability groups, and in promoting equal access to services and opportunities for people with disabilities.  

Nabaa is a beneficiary of such UN trainings, one about leadership and advocacy done in partnership with the Anbar Women for Peace team as part of an ongoing social cohesion program.

In line with this year’s Youth Day theme focusing on global cooperation through technology and partnerships, young Iraqis like Nabaa, are advocating for inclusion in leadership and decision-making.

“We bring different perspectives that help build better solutions,” says Nabaa. “We are part of the future and should be partners in shaping it.”