Empowering disabilities through public speaking: Building social independence with a co-creation approach

Abstract

Tegal Regency continues to grapple with discrimination and stigma against people with disabilities, leading to insufficient social support, low self-confidence, and communication barriers.  This limited communication hinders their social independence. This activity aimed to enhance self-confidence, public speaking skills, and social independence among members of Difabel Mandiri Slawi (DMS).  The program comprised three stages: (1) An initial Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with DMS in July 2024 to assess needs; (2) Motivational seminars and public speaking workshops (incorporating theory and practice); and (3) Co-creation activities, including public speaking practice at Alun-Alun Slawi.  The program successfully increased participants' self-confidence by 47% and their public speaking skills by 50%, positively impacting their social independence as evidenced by improved social relationships.