The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) underscores the vast diversity of persons with disabilities, emphasizing that persons with disabilities are vulnerable to discrimination based on their ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic position, or other aspects of their identity.
Persons with disabilities who identify themselves are part of the LGBTIQ+ community often face hurdles, experiencing double layers of discrimination. While there are ongoing challenges and barriers, we've also seen significant positive changes. As we mark Disability Pride this month, we spoke with Janine Cruzet, of the Philippines, a former Advisory Capacity Development and Exchange (ACE) Fellow and current advocate with Women with Disabilities Taking Actions on our Reproductive Health and Human Rights. As a disability advocate, Janine shared her perspective on how Disability Pride Month is more than a time for celebration—it’s a chance to reflect on our achievements, advocate for ongoing change, and pave the way for future advancements in disability rights and inclusion.
Can you share a bit about your background as a disability advocate, and how your experiences have shaped your approach to disability rights and inclusion?
Janine Cruzet (JC): My personal journey into disability advocacy started in a way I hadn’t anticipated. After being diagnosed with glaucoma shortly after college, I got into grassroots advocacy, actively participated in local seminars and community programs. While working for the National Economic and Development Authority, in partnership with the Philippines Institute of Development Studies helped me understand the critical role of data in shaping effective advocacy. These early experiences connected me with a network of dedicated advocates and resources, providing the foundation for my ongoing commitment to disability rights.
Co-founding an organization for women with visual impairments was a milestone for me. We researched and understood the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to integrate these international guidelines with our work. They weren’t just conceited ideals, but practical tools that helped us address the specific needs of women with visual impairments in our local community. This alignment connected our grassroots efforts to a broader global movement and made our advocacy effective, giving us a clearer vision and a stronger voice.
What challenges did you encounter while working as a disability advocate?
Janine Cruzet (JC): In the early days of my advocacy work, one of the biggest challenges encountered was changing how stakeholders perceived persons with disabilities. They see us only as recipients of aid or support—people who needed help rather than people who could actively contribute to shaping projects and policies. This limited view was frustrating because it overlooked the significant strengths and insights that persons with disabilities bring to the table.
Personally, I've chosen to dress well, wear good perfume, and use makeup to challenge the misconception that persons with disabilities are disconnected from the world around them. There's a misguided notion that we lack knowledge about fashion, life, or the world in general. Many assume we’re untidy or pitiful, but I wanted to show that this is far from the truth.
At work, it became clear that there was a pressing need to shift the perception that persons with disabilities are not just beneficiaries of projects but are crucial partners in the decision making. For instance, their lived experiences provide critical insights into the challenges they face, which can lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions.
This shift in mindset wasn’t easy and required persistent advocacy. My organization and I organized workshops, shared success stories, and led discussions to highlight how these individuals drive meaningful change. It wasn’t just about providing support; it was about creating environments where persons with disabilities could contribute their unique perspectives and skills, leading to impactful outcomes.
Can you describe a turning point in your advocacy efforts?
Janine Cruzet (JC): I would say there are two key turning points for me. The first was a virtual meeting with two remarkable advocates from the Philippines, Maria Criselda Bisda and Architect Armand Eustaquio. Maria, who has a visual impairment, was focused on disability inclusion in human resources, while Architect Armand was advocating for accessible infrastructure. The meeting was aimed at discussing and understanding how to deal with the bureaucratic challenges I was facing at my organization with government employees. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they were united by a shared mission: inclusion. They highlighted the importance of building trust and being resilient. Eventually, with government support, our organization launched a disability awareness and sensitivity training initiative. The response from employees was inspiring where they committed to creating a more inclusive workplace, embracing both diversity and accessibility.
The second pivotal moment was the ACE Fellowship program by CBM Global’s Inclusion Advisory Group and the International Disability Alliance, focused on strengthening disability inclusion advisors in the Asia-Pacific region. The fellowship, in which I worked with other disability inclusion advisors from the ASEAN region, deepened my understanding of the CRPD and learned the technical aspects of advocacy in disability inclusion. It equipped me with skills in negotiation and strategy, allowing me to offer practical, impactful recommendations. These skills have been instrumental in refining my advocacy efforts and ensuring our strategies align with the real-life experiences of persons with disabilities at the grassroots level.
How do you see Disability Pride Month influencing the conversation around disability rights and inclusion, and what does it mean to you in this context?
Janine Cruzet (JC): Disability Pride Month plays a vital role in this ongoing advocacy journey. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities while highlighting the challenges that still need to be addressed. For me, it is an opportunity to reflect on our progress and renew our commitment to achieving greater equality and inclusion.
This month also shines a light on the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities, who often experience compounded forms of discrimination. By focusing on these intersectional issues, Disability Pride Month advocates for comprehensive policies that address these overlapping barriers.
What are the next steps in your advocacy journey, and how do they align with the broader goals of inclusion?
Janine Cruzet (JC): I have recently stepped into a new role as President of an organization dedicated to women with disabilities. Our goal is to expand our focus beyond visual impairments to support a diverse range of disabilities, emphasizing self-learning and advocacy. Drawing on past experiences, I believe in the importance of building partnerships with organizations, stakeholders, and policymakers to advance our shared goals. We will develop and advocate for inclusive policies that address the needs of all persons with disabilities.
Disability Pride Month serves as a reminder of our achievements and the work that lies ahead. Through ongoing learning, a commitment to inclusivity, and strong collaboration, I am confident that we can build a more equitable and supportive environment for all persons with disabilities.
