Living with an invisible disability can be a double-edged sword. While it allows a person to navigate the world without immediate judgment, it also makes seeking support more exhausting, as they must repeatedly explain needs that are not visible to others.
For Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation scholar Clara Cher, this is a lived reality. With hearing loss and a mild speech-sound disorder, Clara often misses parts of conversations in group settings, finding herself physically present but socially sidelined. Her story, however, is not defined by silence, but by the gradual journey of finding her own voice and the strength to use it.
The weight of blending in
Growing up, Clara was acutely aware of her desire to blend in and not draw attention to her struggles. “People around me, including teachers, often saw me in the same way as everyone else,” Clara said. While well-meaning, this meant that the challenges she faced were often overlooked. Clara felt an unspoken pressure to keep up quietly and not inconvenience anyone, even as she struggled internally.
“I wanted to handle everything on my own. For quite a while, I saw asking for help or requesting accommodations as a sign that I was falling short,” Clara reflects.
Over time, Clara realised that she needed to unlearn this mindset. Independence, as she came to understand, is not about forcing herself to struggle in silence. It can be as simple as standing firm in her needs and staying true to what she believes in.
This shift in perspective changed the way she approaches life. She recalls having to defend her need for accommodations in school, an experience that ultimately became a point of pride. Despite being made to feel “difficult” for requesting what her doctor had recommended, Clara stood her ground and advocated for herself.
Redefining Independence
This experience made her realise the importance of self-advocacy, even when the process is difficult or uncomfortable. She also became more aware of how discouraging it can be when invisible disabilities are misunderstood, and how important it is to create environment where individuals do not have to justify their need for support repeatedly.
This conviction has shaped Clara’s aspirations to join the legal profession. “Legal systems can feel very intimidating and inaccessible, especially for people who are already in vulnerable positions,” Clara shared. She hopes to be known for her advocacy for inclusion and accessibility, especially in the industry that she eventually works in. Building cultures that are inclusive, understanding, and open has been close to her heart, and she hopes to create spaces where people feel supported, respected and able to thrive as themselves.
Clara hopes to stay actively involved in mentorship, especially for persons with disabilities who are pursuing a similar path. “I strongly believe that having someone who has gone through something similar and is willing to guide you can make a real difference when you are trying to find your footing. Giving back to me is about showing up for others in smaller but meaningful and direct ways,” Clara said.
As an APB Foundation scholar, Clara hopes to do both – contribute to broader change in the spaces she is a part of, while also supporting individuals more directly through mentorship and community.
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The APB Foundation Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities is a bond-free scholarship that supports students with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities across six local institutions, regardless of field of study. Since its launch in 2004, the APB Foundation has committed over $2.6 million to the programme and has since awarded 67 scholarships. Find out more at https://www.spd.org.sg/scholarships/.