Lable by MAS, a pioneering manufacturer in adaptive clothing, unveiled its exhibition titled ‘9 nine’ at One Galle Face Mall, in Colombo, Sri Lanka in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 2nd and 3rd of December.

Through 9 nine and ongoing initiatives, Lable by MAS is aiming to reshape societal narratives surrounding disabilities in Sri Lanka.

Understanding the pressing need to shift societal narratives and foster collective awareness about disabilities in Sri Lanka, Lable by MAS curated 9 nine as an immersive and educative public experience. The innovative exhibition aimed to transcend boundaries, inviting visitors to explore, experience, and embrace an enlightening journey of learning together.

The exhibition layout, comprising four distinct rooms, offered unique insights into pivotal disability categories: Physical Disabilities, Sensory Disabilities (Sight and Hearing), and Developmental Disabilities. Each room served as a window into the multifaceted experiences of the disabled community, urging visitors to engage their senses and expand their understanding of these often-overlooked realities. The journey through these rooms left visitors in tears, as they immersed themselves into the lives and experiences of persons with disabilities.

In-depth Insights into Disability Narratives

Room 01 (Developmental Disabilities) by Kitty Ritig: Renowned artist Kitty Ritig's installation, 'Make It Make Sense,' artfully guided visitors through the experiences of those with developmental disabilities. This immersive journey, drawing from her own personal experiences highlighted accomplishments within the face of societal prejudices and inadequate infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding.

Room 02 (Physical Disabilities) by Siobhan D’Almeida: Siobhan D’Almeida's installation, 'From Here to There,' inspired out of the conversations she had through focus groups vividly depicted the challenges individuals with physical disabilities encounter in navigating societal barriers. Through compelling visual narratives, it shed light on the inequalities and lack of accessibility in transportation and public infrastructure.

Room 03 (Sensory Disabilities: Hearing) & Room 04 (Sensory Disabilities: Sight): These rooms enveloped visitors in the experiences of those with sensory disabilities, unveiling the hurdles encountered due to inaccessible media and limited access in education, communication, and daily interaction.

Room 05 (Safe Space) & Pledge for Change: Acknowledging the emotional impact of the exhibition, a safe space was thoughtfully provided for visitors to process their experiences at the exhibition which may have been emotionally overwhelming.

Concurrently, the initiative '#IamFor9' was introduced to reshape societal attitudes and advocating inclusivity across Sri Lanka. For this, Lable by MAS urged corporations, organisations and individuals alike to unite and connect with them so that the 9 nine exhibition could be taken across all the 9 provinces of Sri Lanka. With most entities working separately today, Lable believes that coming together may better aid or further this mission of change in Sri Lanka and invites opportunities for conversations.

Through 9 nine and ongoing initiatives, Lable by MAS is aiming to reshape societal narratives surrounding disabilities in Sri Lanka. The exhibition acted as a catalyst for crucial conversations, fostering empathy, and propelling actionable change toward a more inclusive society.

Lable by MAS encourages active engagement in discussions, inviting individuals and organisations to pledge their support and participate in their mission to foster an inclusive Sri Lanka. Explore more about 9 nine and show your support through a message on the Instagram page @lable.by MAS, LinkedIn or at www.lablebymas.com.

Lable by MAS, a subsidiary of MAS Holdings, stands as a frontrunner in manufacturing adaptive clothing for the global market. And locally, recognizing first, the need to change narratives, they are committed to social transformation, dedicated to being a catalyst for change, fostering inclusivity, and reshaping societal perceptions about disabilities.

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