The Climate Smart Garden Project team recently hosted a two-day disability awareness event, engaging local communities in inclusive training that aims to empower people living with disabilities particularly young women, girls, and children through climate-smart gardening practices.

The training was led by Mr. Epeli Lalagavesi, a seasoned disability practitioner with six years of experience supporting students with disabilities in Fiji and Australia.

A recipient of the Australia Awards Scholarship, Mr. Lalagavesi holds a Master’s in Disability in Policy and Practice from Flinders University.

The sessions focused on raising awareness and building understanding around disability through a range of conceptual models, including the medical and social models of disability.

Participants explored how societal structures, and inaccessible environments often pose greater challenges than the impairments themselves.

The event also featured guest speaker Mr. Josaisa from the United Blind Organization, who shared firsthand insights into the daily experiences of people who are blind, fostering a deeper appreciation of accessibility needs.

A highlight of the program was a basic sign language session, delivered by Perina, a disability staff member, which equipped participants with essential communication skills to better connect with the deaf or hard-of-hearing community.

“This training wasn’t just about disability awareness it was about understanding, inclusion, and enabling people to thrive through community-based solutions like climate-smart gardening,” said Mr. Lalagavesi.

Activities during the event encouraged participants to adopt a person-centered approach, advocating for the involvement of people with disabilities in program design and decision-making processes.

“If you want to know how to support someone with a disability, ask them. They are the experts of their own experience,” he emphasized.

The event served five communities and marks a step forward in inclusive community development across Fiji.