Maya and Lara Hammoud Address the UN at COSP19
- Maya Hammoud
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Ten years ago, Maya and Lara Hammoud were simply two young girls trying to help their best friend with autism feel more comfortable, included, and understood. Armed with little more than cardboard, creativity, and compassion, they built their first sensory room.
A decade later, those same sisters found themselves in the halls of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, delivering multiple statements during the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
As Co-Founders of The Perception Foundation, now the world's largest youth-led nonprofit focused on neurodiversity and mental health, Maya and Lara had the distinct honor of serving as some of the youngest delegates participating in the global conference. Throughout the week, they engaged with world leaders, diplomats, disability advocates, policymakers, and civil society organizations from around the world to discuss the future of disability rights and inclusion.
Their participation extended beyond attendance. Over the course of the conference, the sisters delivered multiple statements addressing some of the most pressing disability issues facing the international community today.
The Power of Inclusive Language
One of their key interventions focused on the importance of inclusive language and the role words play in shaping society's perception of disability.
Maya and Lara emphasized that language is never neutral. The words used by governments, educators, healthcare providers, and the media influence how individuals with disabilities are perceived and treated. They highlighted the importance of moving away from stigmatizing narratives and toward language that recognizes the dignity, autonomy, and humanity of every individual.
Their remarks underscored a simple but powerful idea: inclusion begins with how we speak about one another.
By fostering respectful and empowering language, societies can begin dismantling stereotypes that continue to create barriers for millions of people worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence: Opportunity or Exclusion?
The sisters also addressed one of the fastest-growing topics in the disability rights space: artificial intelligence.
While AI has the potential to revolutionize accessibility through assistive technologies, communication tools, and personalized support systems, Maya and Lara cautioned that technological progress does not automatically equal inclusion.
They challenged global leaders to consider a critical question:
Who is being left out of the future we are building?
Their statement highlighted concerns regarding hiring algorithms, inaccessible digital platforms, biased datasets, and automated systems that may unintentionally discriminate against persons with disabilities.
At a time when governments and corporations are investing billions into artificial intelligence, they argued that accessibility and disability inclusion must be embedded into technological design from the very beginning—not added later as an afterthought.
The future of AI, they stressed, should be one where technology expands opportunity rather than creating new forms of exclusion.
Educating the Next Generation
Education has always been at the heart of The Perception Foundation's mission, making youth engagement another central theme of their participation at COSP19.
Drawing upon their experiences leading a youth movement that has reached over half a million people across 61+ countries, Maya and Lara spoke about the urgent need for disability education in schools.
Too often, students graduate without understanding disability, accessibility, neurodiversity, or inclusion. This lack of awareness contributes to misconceptions, stigma, and discrimination that persist throughout adulthood.
The sisters advocated for disability education to become a standard part of school curricula worldwide, helping students develop empathy, understanding, and the tools necessary to build more inclusive communities.
Their message was clear: if we want a more inclusive future, we must educate future generations today.
Advancing Disability Rights Across the OIC
Another significant moment came during discussions surrounding disability inclusion within member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Their remarks highlighted the immense contributions persons with disabilities make to their communities, economies, and societies when barriers are removed and opportunities are provided.
Drawing upon principles of dignity, equality, and human value shared across cultures and faith traditions, they called for greater investment in accessibility, education, employment opportunities, and social inclusion.
They emphasized that disability inclusion is not simply a policy issue—it is a matter of human dignity.
Representing Youth on the Global Stage
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Maya and Lara's participation was not the content of their speeches, but what their presence represented.
At only 18 years old, the sisters stood among seasoned diplomats, government officials, and international leaders, demonstrating that young people have an important role to play in shaping global policy conversations.
Their journey serves as a reminder that meaningful change can begin with a single act of kindness.
What started as a sensory room built for one friend with autism evolved into a global movement that has established sensory rooms, educational initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and youth chapters around the world.
Today, The Perception Foundation continues to empower young people to become advocates for inclusion while working toward a future where accessibility is not viewed as an accommodation, but as a fundamental right.
Looking Ahead
While COSP19 marked a significant milestone in The Perception Foundation's journey, Maya and Lara view it not as a destination, but as a beginning.
The conversations held during the conference reinforced the importance of international collaboration, youth leadership, and continued advocacy for persons with disabilities worldwide.
As they prepare to begin their studies at Harvard University this fall, the sisters remain committed to advancing disability rights, expanding educational opportunities, and ensuring that the voices of young people continue to be heard in the rooms where decisions are made.
Ten years ago, they built a sensory room out of cardboard.
Today, they are helping shape conversations at the United Nations.
And they are only getting started.
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