Ms. Scader Louis is a woman with a disability and a disability rights advocate. She is the active Commissioner (and former Chair) of the Malawi Human Rights Commission and serves as Risk and Compliance Manager for World Vision Malawi. She is the co-founder of the Spinal Injuries Association of Malawi, Deputy Chairperson of the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi and Treasurer General of the Commonwealth Disabled Peoples Forum. Scader is also a committee member on the Policy and Programs Committee of the National Planning Commission, a 2023/24 Fellow at the Centre for Inclusive Policy, and a Consultant for Mobility International USA, focusing on Gender, Disability, Inclusion, and Access.
This project bridges the gap between Malawi's new Persons with Disabilities Bill and practical advocacy efforts. By creating accessible legal resources (audio, braille, sign language videos) and collaborating with organizations of persons with disabilities, the project empowers persons with disabilities to understand and fight for their rights. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive Malawi where everyone can participate and thrive.
Scader participated in the IVLP Project Human and Civil Rights for Marginalized Communities II, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with International House, Tulsa Global Alliance, World Affairs Council Seattle, and WorldBoston.
Scader’s exchange experience led to the development of her project: “My recent international exchange program highlighted the importance of accessibility and disability rights knowledge in empowering persons with disabilities to advocate for change. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act has been a powerful tool used by disability rights advocates to influence change in so many aspects. This experience made me realize that awareness and accessible legal formats are crucial, especially in contexts like Malawi with higher illiteracy rates.”
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