Revolutionizing Support and Empowering the PWD Community | Elyse Go | TEDxSJCS Youth

Elyse Go, a Manila-based social entrepreneur and executive coach, talks about persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers and why the need for belonging is so often denied in practice. Drawing on the Filipino value of KASAMA, meaning "to be together with," she explains the difference between equality and equity and shares stories of PWDs and their families who defy expectations. The talk calls on viewers to address the root causes of exclusion in policies, structures and mindsets. The talk was given at a TEDx event independently organized by a local community. Elyse Go is the co-founder of Hand and Heart, an initiative that connects differently abled people with learning and employment opportunities.

• Why belonging is often denied to persons with disabilities and their caregivers
• The difference between equality and equity
• The Filipino value of KASAMA as a call to action
• Addressing the root causes of exclusion in policies, structures and mindsets

Elyse Go takes us into the unchartered world of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers, exploring why the need for belonging, something we all understand, is so often denied in practice. Through the Filipino value of KASAMA, meaning "to be together with" in journey, struggle, and outcome, she breaks down the difference between equality and equity, shares powerful stories of PWDs and their families defying expectations, and challenges us to stop waiting for exclusion to erupt and instead address its root causes in policies, structures, and mindsets. This talk is a call to action, an invitation to become a KASAMA in building a world where everyone's potential has room to grow. A Manila-based social entrepreneur, executive coach, and diversity advocate dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities, particularly the Deaf community. As the co-founder of Hand and Heart, she has pioneered initiatives that connect differently abled individuals with meaningful learning and employment opportunities. Through her work, she has trained organizations in inclusive hiring, workplace sensitivity, and sign language interpreting. Recognized with honors such as the Master Connector Special Award, she exemplifies leadership in building a more inclusive and equitable society. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx