By Karla Henson
Coffee Breaks and Chitchats
In the early days of envisioning what would eventually become the Disability Migration Network (DMN), our coffee break conversations often sparked a critical question: Why have persons with disabilities been left out of the labour migration discourse? Back then, we—the co-founders of DMN—often discussed whether migration was ever seen as a viable pathway to economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. Today, those everyday exchanges have paved the way for DMN, a network dedicated to addressing this gap by turning simple queries into action.
Walking the Talk
In response to this long-standing oversight, DMN recently hosted a Migration 101 workshop from February 17 to 19, 2025. 49 persons with disability advocates from six ASEAN countries—Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia—gathered with a clear objective: to build a foundational understanding of labour migration, a field traditionally overlooked by Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and to empower these leaders to launch advocacy efforts in this area. The sessions, expertly facilitated by Ms. Ellene Sana of the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), provided an essential platform for OPD capacity development.
We also had insightful discussions led by International Labour Organization (ILO) speakers representing each of the six participating ASEAN countries. These included Wai Hnin Po [MYANMAR], Chonticha Tangworamongkon [THAILAND], Andreas Schmidt [LAO PDR], Thuy, Nguyen Thi Mai [VIETNAM], Veth Vorn CAMBODIA], and Marja Paavilainen [MALAYSIA]—experts who offered in-depth analysis on labour migration policies and shared firsthand insights on the prevailing situations within their deployments.
The workshop delved into a range of key topics—from an introduction to the migration space, and an exploration of migrants’ rights, to practical advocacy strategies. What made the experience truly impactful was the blend of expert perspectives with the lived experiences of participants. Stories of reintegration challenges, employment barriers, and legislative obstacles filled the room, surfacing the urgent need for disability-inclusive labour migration policies.
There was an undeniable buzz, a sense that every shared story and thoughtful question was a step toward a more inclusive future. This gathering was not just a training session; it was an awakening, a call to claim a space in labour migration, where the voices of persons with disabilities are not only heard but championed.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on those early coffee break conversations, it’s inspiring to see how our initial questions have grown into a structured effort to support the empowerment of OPDs in an area where they had little presence. This workshop marks the beginning of a new chapter, setting the foundation for OPD capacity development and advocacy in labour migration. As we move forward, the lessons from this workshop remind us that when lived experience meets expert insight, change is inevitable. Building on those initial discussions, we remain committed to ensuring that every migrant, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for the support from our OPD coordinators
- Myanmar: KDN General Service Co.,Ltd and Equal Light Myanmar
- Thailand: Thailand Association of the Blind
- Laos: Disability Service Center (DSC)
- Vietnam: Hanoi Association of People with Disabilities (DP Hanoi)
- Cambodia: Cambodian Disabled People’s Organization (CDPO)
- Malaysia: Malaysia Independent Living Association for Disabled (MILAD)
- Philippines: Life Haven CIL
Disability Migration Network (DMN) 