GET TO KNOW SIS DISABILITY AWARENESS COMMITTEE
Dear Esteemed Person,
I extend my sincere gratitude for your interest in the Disability Awareness Committee. I am Ji Woo Chae, co-founder of Surabaya Intercultural School's first organization dedicated to disability awareness, graduating in June 2024.
Reflecting on our journey over the past two years, I am very proud in our collective achievements. Each committee member embodies boundless potential to effect positive change in our world. We aspire to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable community.
I invite you to join us in our endeavors, following in our footsteps as we strive to enact meaningful societal transformations.
With warm regards,
Ji Woo Chae
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Dear Supporter,
As a co-founder of our Disability Awareness Committee, my background in learning support drives my commitment to fostering inclusion. Alongside Ji Woo, a dedicated high school student, we established this committee to advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Our journey began from a shared passion for inclusion and advocacy. Inspired by encounters with the Down Syndrome Society in my home country of Trinidad and Ji Woo's personal connection to a person with a disability, we embarked on a mission to promote respectful treatment for all.
Initially focused on raising awareness during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March 2023, we quickly realized the breadth of our impact in Surabaya and Indonesia. Our initiatives expanded to include volunteering at local schools, supporting organizations like the Indonesian Down Syndrome Society (ISDI), and assisting local artisans with disabilities in showcasing their crafts.
Our commitment extended beyond a single month, resulting in significant achievements such as providing personalized adaptive wheelchairs to two individuals in Surabaya in November 2023, made possible through collective fundraising efforts totaling nearly 40 million IDR.
As Ji Woo moves on to college, we will miss her presence, but her contributions will always be cherished. We are committed to continuing the meaningful work we've started, hoping to make her proud as we strive to foster inclusivity and make further contributions to our community.
Yours in service,
Yaśodā Deva, M.Ed., M.Sc. SPED
