Shamsiyyah Umar

A headshot picture of shamsiyyah Umar, wearing green, folding her hands with a background of the SDGs logo

Shamsiyyah Umar, She/her/hers

Founder & Executive Director, We Are Special Foundation, Nigeria

Shamsiyyah Umar is a disability inclusion advocate, researcher, author, and founder of the Special Physically Challenged Care Foundation, working to empower people with disabilities through advocacy, education, and innovation. Her work focuses on building inclusive systems, advancing digital accessibility, and increasing youth participation. Since 2024, Shamsiyyah has led initiatives promoting disability inclusion and digital empowerment in Nigeria. She organized the DisabiliTech Bootcamp in partnership with Plan International Nigeria to strengthen digital literacy among young people with disabilities. She is also developing an inclusive app through the AU-EU Youth Action Lab focused on improving accessibility and participation. Her work has increased visibility for disability issues while creating new learning and leadership opportunities for young people with disabilities. Shamsiyyah’s advocacy demonstrates how technology and youth leadership can work together to create more inclusive communities. Her contributions have earned national and international recognition, including being named a Young Global Changer, selected as a Spotlight Speaker at the 2025 Global Solutions Summit, and serving as a UNICEF Nigeria Youth Advisor. Through research, advocacy, and innovation, she continues to advance disability inclusion and representation.