Dili, 27 February 2026 (Média Democracia) – The Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL), together with the Press Council (KI), held an activity on media colloquium with the theme “Media as a Transformative Agent for the Rights of People with Disabilities.” The objective of this activity is to empower information for the public about people with disabilities (Ema ho Defisiénsia – EhD), their rights, because some institutions still lack accessibility for people with disabilities and they still experience discrimination in public.
The Executive Director of Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL), Cezario da Silva, said the activity is about the important role of media for people with disabilities (EhD), because through media the public can know about the main issues of people with disabilities (EhD), as issues of people with disabilities are vulnerable. People with disabilities are mostly vulnerable to society’s actions and behaviors.
“Often society thinks that people with disabilities can’t do anything, they just deserve to receive support or help. So to change this mindset, we need media’s help to spread positive information that no one should be left behind, but counted in.” Said Executive Director of Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL) Cesário da Silva to journalists at ADTL building, Mascarinhas, Thursday, 26/02/2026
The Director added, people with disabilities (EhD), have various types that’s why media comparison can bring change for them. Because in the past, many families hid their children or family members with disabilities at home, but with media’s help and courage, EhD have been able to access the public.
“Data for people with disabilities (EhD), shows that in 2022 the most vulnerable number around 17 thousand, but those with relatively normal conditions number around 93 thousand. Because of media advocacy and coverage for people with disabilities, even those in remote areas are finally getting attention like heroes, because through media publication, people with disabilities are finally getting public attention.” Informed Executive Director of Timor-Leste Disability Association (ADTL)
The Director stated, media continues to strive for everyone to live equally and end marginalization of people with disabilities. Because some families hide them from the public, some lack wheelchairs to facilitate their movement. Some institutions lack accessibility for people with disabilities, and they can’t access public transportation, as microlets can’t carry wheelchairs. So Media’s role can be the eyes, ears, and voice for the voiceless.
At the same venue, Member of the Timor-Leste Press Council (KI), Councilor Isabel Fernandes said, the objective of this colloquium is to empower information about inclusion of people with disabilities in media institutions, so it can change the public’s mindset about the rights of people with disabilities, because it’s about Media being an agent of change for the rights of people with disabilities.
“Media can be a practitioner for people with disabilities, media should have the intention and practice to bring change in society and contribute to people with disabilities. Because some public institutions still lack sufficient accessibility for people with disabilities, media’s observation in the field is important.” Said Press Council Member, Isabel Fernandes The Press
Council member added, the public should respect people with disabilities, as they also have the right to receive good service in public. Because some institutions still lack good accessibility for people with disabilities, they often experience discrimination. Development in the city is progressing, but some people still don’t consider the needs of people with disabilities, like buildings with stairs how can EhD access it.
Futher explains the activity organized by Timor-Leste Disability Association together with the Press Council on inclusive journalism with the theme “Media as a transformative agent for the rights of people with disabilities” was attended by over 20 journalists.
Reporting : Nelfiano
Photo : Nelfiano