A young woman takes photos during a ceremony to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
YANGON, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Disability does not mean inability. Across Myanmar, persons with disabilities are living full lives by learning, working, creating, and inspiring others. On Dec. 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, their voices show that courage and resilience can overcome any challenge.
Kaythi Khine, 32, developed a physical disability after a high fever in childhood. "I grew up in a small town. Back then, there were very few people with disabilities, and no one really understood it. I often asked myself, 'Why is this happening only to me?' I felt like giving up," she recalled.
Festivals were especially painful. "When everyone my age went out during Thingyan festival, I wanted to join too, but I couldn't. My mother offered to take me, but I lied, saying I didn't want to go, to avoid being a burden."
Her life began to change after moving to Yangon and joining a disability training course. "Meeting others in similar situations at the training helped me relax and find strength again. I learned not to give up and not to stay depressed," she said.
Today, Kaythi sews and makes wool crafts and handmade items alongside her husband, selling them at market festivals and local markets. She started this business in 2019, and it now provides a steady income. "Now I can laugh and enjoy my life," she said.
Maung Myint, 49, founder of the Meiktila township branch of Shwe Minn Tha Foundation, also knows the challenges of living with a disability. "I had to have my leg amputated after being bitten by a snake in my 20s. At the beginning, I was depressed and cried a lot," he recalled.
His turning point came after joining a disability training course, where meeting others with similar struggles helped him survive his depression. Today, he connects more than 100 persons with disabilities to donors and support networks in his township.
"Please keep going in life. Even though we are disabled, our minds do not break, so we are capable of doing what we want," he said.
Another inspiring voice is Yamin Htut, 27, who lost her eyesight at only 11 months due to a high fever. "I am interested in education, but I could not continue my studies because of my eyesight. So, I focus on my interests in sports and singing," she said.
"I competed in goalball and won a bronze medal at the ASEAN Para Games in Singapore in 2015 after training in China. After this competition, I started working as a masseuse, and I have been doing this for about 10 years," she said.
"I also do cover songs and post them on Facebook and TikTok," she added.
"Don't feel sad because of your weaknesses. Everyone is capable. Do what you want to do, you are not alone," she said.
Myat Thu Winn, founder of the Shwe Minn Tha Foundation (Myanmar), said, "Our foundation works to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities so they can get jobs, earn income, and stand on their own."
"Disability is a part of life. We have to accept our existence because we cannot change it. If you feel depressed, feel it -- but do not dwell too long. Our future is in our own hands," he added. ■
Participants attend a ceremony to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)