Muhammad Haseeb Abbasi
A peach gradient background with navy text has “The D-30 Disability Impact List” at the top centered above “2022 Honoree” which is in between two laurels. The words “Muhammad Haseeb Abbasi he/her/theirs Pakistan” is to the left of a picture of him, which fills the right. At the bottom, “Diversability, #D30DisList.” fills the left corner.
Muhammad Haseeb Abbasi (They/them/theirs, She/her/hers, He/him/his)
Disability advocate
Pakistan
Muhammad is a Global Messenger for Special Olympics, representing over 6 million Special Olympics athletes around the world to advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). He is passionate about and committed to fostering inclusive environments where people with ID can flourish as independent and productive members of the community, leading by example to accomplish this. As a TEDx speaker, published author, and TV presenter, his advocacy is spread through various platforms. Muhammad has the unique power to influence others and unite people with and without intellectual disabilities. An advocate for inclusion, he has been open and vocal in sharing his lived experiences as a person with autism. Despite challenges that may be associated with sharing one's personal story publicly, he has been resilient and steadfast in his resolve to share his story with as many people as possible to educate and spread the word of inclusion.
In the midst of challenges brought about by the pandemic, Muhammad expanded his business. He persevered and further developed his juice bar, where interactions between people with and without intellectual disabilities are fostered via local schools and community events. His goal is to train and employ people with intellectual disabilities, empowering them with the skills they need to earn an independent living.
We asked Muhammad if they had anything else they wanted to add to their accomplishments, they stated: “I have one more brother who too is intellectually disabled. my father too is disabled as he lost his voice because of cancer. I am also working with a web channel name channel 6 to promote awareness regarding the disabled right to live a life filled with dignity and respect.”