Mobilizing Inclusion

Persons with disabilities (PwDs) face disproportionate barriers to COVID-19 vaccination due to inaccessible information, logistical constraints, and stigma. This qualitative descriptive case study examines how Gerakan Peduli Disabilitas dan Lepra Indonesia [Indonesian Movement for People with Disabilities and Leprosy] (GPDLI) mobilized inclusive communication practices to raise vaccine awareness and facilitate access during Indonesia’s 2021 vaccination campaign. Data comprises semi-structured interviews with organizational representatives, volunteers, and vaccine recipients, field observations of the Gelora Bung Karno vaccination initiative, and document analysis. Findings identify four interrelated strategies: (1) participatory messaging and peer testimony that increased credibility and perceived self-efficacy; (2) multimodal accessibility, easy-read materials, sign-language interpretation, and assisted registration to overcome sensory and literacy barriers; (3) targeted logistical support (transport and on-site assistance) to remove material access constraints; and (4) multi-stakeholder coordination with government agencies to secure institutional recognition and resources. The case demonstrates how role theory and participatory communication converge, positioning civil society organizations (CSOs) as critical intermediaries between state policy and marginalized communities. We propose a CSO-mediated inclusive communication framework for equitable public health interventions and discuss implications for policy, practice, and future research on inclusive crisis communication.