12 August 2026
On 12 August 2026, the IF International Youth Group SBH marked United Nations International Youth Day by hosting the webinar Inclusive Pathways: Education & Employment for Youth. The event brought together young advocates, adult advocates, professionals and members of the global spina bifida and hydrocephalus (SBH) community to explore how inclusive education and meaningful employment can empower young people with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Moderated by Jurn Anthonis, Chair of the IF International Youth Group SBH, the webinar highlighted the importance of ensuring that young people with lived experience are not only represented in discussions but are actively leading them.
Opening the Conversation
The webinar opened with welcoming remarks from Jurn, who introduced the theme of this year’s International Youth Day and reflected on the role of the IF International Youth Group SBH in advocating for greater inclusion, participation and equal opportunities for young people living with SBH.
Following a short introductory video, participants were invited to explore two key themes that shape the transition to adulthood: education and employment.
Education: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments
The first roundtable focused on education, bringing together Nebiyat Tesfaye (ReachAnother Foundation, Ethiopia) and Viktoria Peykova (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Bulgaria), members of the IF International Youth Group SBH, alongside Gerry Maguire (Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Ireland) from the IF Adult SBH Working Group.
Through a combination of lived experience and advocacy perspectives, the discussion explored the barriers many young people with disabilities continue to face in accessing quality, inclusive education. Speakers reflected on the importance of reasonable accommodations, accessible learning environments and supportive networks that enable young people to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue their goals.
The panel also highlighted that inclusive education is not only about removing barriers but about creating opportunities where every young person can participate, thrive and prepare for the future.
“Don’t let the barriers around you convince you that your dreams are too big” – Viktoria Peykova
“There is only one person in the world that can tell you that you can’t do something, and that’s yourself” – Gerry Maguire
“Let us create opportunities for youths with disabilities to study, to work, to participate and to lead, and most importantly, let us listen to youths with spina bifida and do not only speak for us, also speak with us, include us, let us be part of the decisions that affect our lives”- Nebiyat Tesfaye
Employment: Turning Potential into Opportunity
The second panel shifted the discussion towards employment and the transition from education into the workplace.
The discussion featured Catherine Naknyiga (Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda) from the IF Adult SBH Working Group, Tan Wah Hin (Spina Bifida Association Malaysia), member of the IF International Youth Group SBH, and Rasmus Isaksson, Swedish educator, disability rights advocate and public speaker.
Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, the speakers explored the importance of inclusive recruitment, accessible workplaces and ongoing support throughout a person’s career. They also discussed the value of skills development, mentoring and self-advocacy in helping young people with disabilities navigate the labour market with confidence.
“When we remove barriers, we create opportunities!” – Tan Wah Hin
“I am not successful because my journey was easy. I am successful because I refused to let my disability define my future” – Catherine Naknyiga
Rasmus shared insights from more than two decades of work in disability rights, accessibility and employment support, emphasising that inclusion benefits not only individuals but society as a whole. His contribution reinforced the message that meaningful employment is a key component of independence, participation and social inclusion.
“When you learn to see your strengths and weaknesses clearly, you stop being influenced by them and start shaping your future with them” – Rasmus Isaksson
Engaging the Global SBH Community
The webinar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, share experiences and discuss practical challenges faced in different countries and contexts.
The discussion demonstrated the value of bringing together young people, adults, professionals and advocates to exchange ideas and identify practical approaches that can strengthen inclusion in both education and employment.
One important takeaway message from the Q&A session is that in order to see big changes happening for the rights of persons living with disabilities, it is important to be active and speak up in our daily lives, as every action counts.
Looking Ahead
This year’s International Youth Day webinar once again demonstrated the strength of the global SBH community and the leadership of young people in driving positive change.
Creating inclusive pathways from education to employment requires collaboration between young people, families, educators, employers, healthcare professionals and policymakers. By listening to lived experiences and working together, we can build environments where every young person has the opportunity to learn, develop their talents and contribute fully to society.
The IF International Youth Group SBH extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, participants and partners who contributed to making this event a success.
