Here, we were discussing the story that changed a person’s perspective about their world and the world’s perspective toward the individual. Here, we are discussing Omar’s life, which changed when he shifted from Saudi Arabia to Australia. The reason was simple: to complete his PhD degree.
With judgmental eyes
Moreover, you may raise a question: why are we talking about Umar’s life? First of all, he no longer feels that someone is staring at him with judgmental eyes when he leaves his house. However, some eyes always stared at him with judgment, even in his primary school, which was quite near to his home.
In Australia this primary school student even says hello to him without getting scared.In primary school, students were not frightened of him; they always said something which he never experienced in his early life.
Umar is now 28 years old, pursuing his PhD. His parents were Indonesian migrants in Saudi Arabia. He was shot in the arms, and some parts of his hands are missing.
First-level citizen
Understanding his family dynamics, his father is a driver, and his mother worked as a mate in the Saudi Arabian port city called Jeddah due to the situation of his family. They are migrant workers, and Umar also has a disability. He never felt like a first-level citizen and always had a feeling of being a second-level citizen.
Supported by the Indonesian government
Understanding these domains of disability rights has started to work toward a better future and become a passionate activist for disability rights. He also started campaigning for equality in the field of healthcare, education, and more. His PhD, which was completed under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, was supported by the Indonesian government. His thesis focuses mainly on the role of social media in disability advocacy.
Advocacy for disability inclusion can raise awareness.
About the phenomenon that even in Saudi Arabia, people are not able to accept or embrace physical or mental disability. The same goes for Indonesia. Nevertheless, if activism and digital action are taken, it can be reformed. He is also working towards education in the public sphere, and social media platforms such as Instagram can be a powerful space where campaigns and advocacy for disability inclusion can raise awareness.
Considered that phase a miracle
When he was doing his PhD in Australia, he considered that phase a miracle. Studying in Australia without even his parents exploring his past experience when he was tonight to give admission where his brother was enrolled because he has a disability. For more explanation, his mother slept, drinking him to different schools and saying that.
He can also write and read just like other children, and finally, his brother’s school accepted him when he was 7, which was 2 years later compared to other students.
When he grew up and wanted to take admission in higher education at the University of Indonesia He started to encounter the same discrimination and rejection that he encountered during school days. Eventually, some miracle happened, and he was accepted into the undergraduate communication degree at the University in Surabaya, East Java.
Designed for his needs
When he finally enrolled for his PhD in Sydney in 2023, he was joyful to receive an email inviting him to a very open environment where he can be accepted and access all the tailor-made benefits designed for his needs. The university includes disability services, dedicated justice support, and much more. The university also extended support for his healthcare during his stay in Sydney.
He is now working in Indonesia where the Education Department of Rumah, a disability and an Indonesian non-profit organization, collaboratively work together to promote disability inclusion through digital campaigns and much more.
The category of disability.
He alternatively works with parents who have children with disabilities to access education, healthcare, and beyond, and to get accepted in society. In some cultures, there is a perception that nothing can be done for children who fall under the category of disability. He aims to eradicate this myth from society. Due to that myth, numerous students miss out on opportunities that are just standing behind their doors.
Path toward achieving all the dreams
He likewise elaborated on his idea that his family was always supportive of his decisions, standing behind him to shine and go on the path toward achieving all the dreams he ever dreamed about. This is the support all disabled students should receive from their families and the education system. Every day, Umar is walking toward this future.
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Reference
The Sydney student fighting for disability rights. (2024, August 13). The University of Sydney. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/08/13/the-sydney-student-fighting-for-disability-rights.html#:~:text=As%20a%20child%20in%20Saudi,rights%20for%20people%20like%20him.