Introduction : doing it our way : disability, activism and advocacy

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the development of self-advocates in Samoa and their journeys in establishing their disabled people's organizations. It builds on the important insights provided by Anesi by exploring the life history of Sri Lankan disabled women's activist Kamalawathie, leader of the Association of Women with Disabilities Sri Lanka. The book examines the role of peer education as a platform for women with disabilities becoming leaders as disability activists and advocates. It shows how the reframing of personal troubles, such as gendered sexuality rights, can have a political intent and that this is realized through the process of peer education through publicly funded programmes for women with intellectual disabilities. The book outlines the necessity of agitating the state for the realization of social, political, economic and cultural rights that are critical to everyday forms of citizenship for people with disabilities.