Sarah Devotion Garner October 2024 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

,

We are pleased to recognize Sarah for her exceptional contributions to Global Neurodiverse Families, a vital support network for families navigating neurodiversity. Sarah embodies the qualities of compassion, dedication, and resilience, making a profound impact on our community.

Through her tireless efforts, Sarah has established a network where families can connect, share experiences, and provide mutual support in a safe and welcoming environment. This sense of community is invaluable, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey.

Sarah’s influence extends beyond our local community. She has actively advocated for broader awareness and education surrounding neurodiversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for Vietnamese educators to enhance their understanding in this important area. Her commitment has touched the lives of teachers, specialists, and families alike, solidifying her role as a cornerstone of our initiative.

We are grateful for Sarah’s unwavering dedication and her exemplary model of inclusivity and diversity. Her work continues to inspire us all.

Congratulations to Sarah Devotion Garner as this month’s SENIA World Changer Award winner!

Hear about Sarah’s dedication to inclusion here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dd_O2JHi7wwMhQSHBIxFGOTu4gm5Cb6v/view

Smrithy Rajesh September 2024 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

,

Celebrating the remarkable achievements of Smrithy Rajesh, a dedicated advocate for inclusion, her family has turned personal challenges into a powerful movement for change. As a parent of a special needs child, she often felt anxious in public places due to society’s lack of empathy. Her resolve was tested when two staff members of Sri Lankan Airlines unjustly claimed that her autistic son would pose a threat to passengers if allowed to fly. Determined to prevent other families from facing similar trauma, she courageously filed a case against the airline for violating the Rights for People with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016 in the Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

Her victory not only brought justice for her son but also sparked a significant shift in the aviation industry, prompting all Indian airlines to enforce the RPWD Act and ensure that everyone has the right to fly. Her son continues to inspire her advocacy, driving her to work tirelessly for other families and children, and helping to create a more inclusive society where every individual is valued. This award celebrates Smrithy for her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusion and her impactful contributions to the rights of persons with disabilities.

Congratulations to Smrithy Rajesh for being a SENIA World Changer!

Hear her story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1Dbx4sNzv4

#SENIAWorldChanger #inclusion #RightToFly #SENIAInternational

NUR AFIQA AMANI AUGUST 2024 SENIA WORLD CHANGER AWARD RECIPIENT

Congratulations to Nur Afiqa Amani on being recognized for her impactful and inclusive project! Afiqa’s work demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting the wellbeing and mental health of all students, including those who are neurodivergent or hearing-impaired.

By founding the “It’s Okay” project, Afiqa has empowered her schoolmates to better communicate their emotions through the use of visuals and socioemotional learning strategies. This inclusive approach has enabled all students, regardless of their neurological or sensory differences, to actively participate and feel welcomed.

Afiqa’s inclusive mental health awareness week, featuring activities like art therapy, origami, nature walks, and social gatherings, has been particularly noteworthy. These research-backed initiatives have successfully engaged neurodivergent and disabled learners, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to explore mental health and wellness.

The community project grant awarded to Afiqa’s initiative is a testament to the significant impact and scalability of her work. By expanding the reach of this inclusive project, even more individuals will be able to benefit from Afiqa’s innovative and compassionate approach to promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Nur Afiqa Amani’s remarkable achievement in championing inclusive practices and destigmatizing mental health serves as an inspiration to us all. Her dedication to ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to thrive is truly commendable.

Hear her story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQlHfOb2Fm0

Congratulations to Nur Afiqa Amani as this month’s recipient of the SENIA World Changer Award.

#SENIAInternational  #SENIAWorldChanger #InclusionAwards

KATE BOWLER MAY 2024 SENIA WORLD CHANGER AWARD RECIPIENT

,

It is with great pleasure that we announce Kate as the recipient of the 2024 SENIA World Changer Award for her tireless efforts to promote inclusion for children in Cambodia.

For over a decade, Kate has been a passionate advocate for ensuring all children, regardless of their abilities, can access the support and resources they need to thrive. Her work with grassroots Khmer organizations has been instrumental in developing best practices and training countless local staff to compassionately teach and assist children with complex needs.

Kate’s dedication deepened when she joined SENIA Cambodia in 2019, and since then she has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the organization’s vital mission moving forward – even through the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her consistent voice and unwavering commitment have had a profound impact, not only on SENIA’s work, but on the larger inclusion landscape across Cambodia.

Through her advocacy, training programs, and collaborative efforts, Kate has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless vulnerable children. Her selfless service and unwavering commitment to inclusion serve as an inspiration to us all.

Please join us in congratulating Kate on this well-deserved recognition of her exceptional contributions.

Here is a link to Kate’s services: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Lhteue1HUHxh9AZX/?mibextid=CYgPv5

Raymond Weil Garagus February 2024 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

Meet Mr. Raymond Weil Garagus, an exceptional inclusion teacher based in Keningau, Sabah. Passionate about empowering students with learning disorders and hearing impairment, he goes above and beyond in his role. In addition to his teaching duties, he is a devoted sports player who spends his time coaching students in track and field events and various team sports. He customizes training programs to cater to each student’s unique needs and creatively adapts practices to the limited school space, even in the absence of a running track. Thanks to his dedication, his students have achieved remarkable success in athletics, clinching podium finishes and securing gold medals at district, state, and national levels. Several of his students have seamlessly transitioned into mainstream school championships for non-disabled learners, earning well-deserved medals and garnering widespread acclaim. Notably, Brigette Yasin and Victer Ben, two of his students, were honored with the prestigious 2022 SENIA Student Award and the 2023 SENIA Student Honorary Certificate for their outstanding contributions to athletics.

 

Congratulations to Raymond Weil Garagus as this month’s recipient of the SENIA World Changer Award!

Manobina Chakraborty November 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

Based in India, Manobina Chakraborty is a highly skilled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, as well as a Neurodiversity Coach and Learning Leader. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, she holds certifications as a Special Educational Needs expert. Manobina has established strong affiliations with renowned educational institutions in India and the UK and has played a pivotal role in setting up inclusive schools catering to diverse needs. Her expertise lies in capacity building, teacher training, and corporate training for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Manobina’s consultation services have been sought after by numerous government and non-government organizations both nationally and internationally. Recognized for her contributions, Manobina has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London. She has also been honored with the prestigious Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Award for her outstanding work in education. Committed to promoting Neurodiversity inclusion, she founded “I for inclusion,” a global platform offering online training and resources to parents and special education teachers.

Congratulations to Manobina for being this month’s SENIA World Changer Award winner!

Nurfaizah Binti Mohd Shokri October 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

Nurfaizah Binti Mohd Shokri is the head of the special education department at her school, Keningau Vocational College, which is the only inclusive vocational college in Malaysia that offers inclusive programmes for neurodivergent students in her school. She was able to lead her department to ensure the integration and inclusion of neurodivergent learners in various disciplines such as sports and arts while providing support for their needs like sign language interpretation during school events and summer camps. Under her leadership, the students’ performance in national academic examinations as well as co-curricular activities improved significantly. So much so,  that the school became a benchmark for other special education centers in the country. Her department accepts all types of  learners including those with learning disorders, hearing impairments as well as visual impairments.

 

Congratulations to Nurfaizah Binti Mohd Shokri as this month’s SENIA World Changer Award winner!

Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia September 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia has become known as the “Rubber Girl of India.” She began learning yoga at the age of 4 and since then has shared her unique journey with others.  Yoga has not only changed her life but the lives of so many other children with disabilities.  Anvi began a new campaign of “Karo Yog Raho Nirog” which allows her to share the power of yoga through her demonstrations with over 100 schools and institutions. She confidently demonstrates her abilities and has kindly shared one of her videos with us (link to yoga demonstration). 

Anvi has received recognition at the national yoga events in India, winning three gold and two bronze medals.  She was also awarded the “Best Creative Child with Disability Award – 2020” by the president of India.

Congratulations to Anvi as this month’s SENIA World Changer Award winner!

Kitsie LaRock August 2023 SENIA World Changer Award Recipient

Kitsie LaRock has a big heart and is always looking for ways to implement universal design into her work at Bernie LaRock & Sons Construction. Just days before the inaugural event of a newly constructed timber frame pavilion, Kitsie installed a beautiful cer-pak sidewalk from the parking lot into the Pavilion. Not only did she build the accessible sidewalk, she also paid for the cost of the installation of the sidewalk so the organization did not have to find the funds to pay for it. This sidewalk has guaranteed accessibility for all in the community to the beautiful new pavilion and ensures everyone can enjoy it!

Congratulations to Kitsie LaRock as a SENIA World Changer Award Winner!!