Unveiling Equality: Transforming Indonesian Villages for Disability Empowerment

Background: Everyone is entitled to be independent and have the power and freedom to make life choices. However, many people with disabilities still lack support from their environments, including their villages, which hinders their full empowerment. Objective: This research explores an empowerment model for people with disabilities through the development of inclusive villages. Methods: The research method applies a qualitative approach with a case study design involving 43 participants. The data collection techniques are interviews, observation, and documentation of primary and secondary data. Data validation involves triangulation of information obtained through content validity, criterion validity, and construct validity. Result: The study demonstrates that the inclusive village model significantly enhances the empowerment of people with disabilities in Mangliawan Village, Pakisaji District. The local potential-based empowerment approach may increase the active participation of people with disabilities in Mangliawan Village, Pakisaji Subdistrict. In addition, supporting and inhibiting factors can be used to improve the empowerment of people with disabilities in the future. Conclusion: Implementing the inclusive village model can potentially increase the empowerment of people with disabilities in Mangliawan Village, Malang District Unique contributions: This study has shown that creating a welcoming village with a deep and intimate approach enhances empowerment among individuals with disabilities. Key recommendations: Empowerment that enhances the self-worth of individuals with disabilities should be prioritised over focusing only on restoring physical abilities.