WRITTEN BY MARIAM MWIJAA ON MAY 14, 2024

The Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in collaboration with the Kilifi County Disability Network and other organizations, organized a three-day training in Kilifi from May 7th to 9th. The objective of this training was to address issues affecting people with disabilities, propose solutions, and advocate for their inclusion in society, particularly in accessing information.
According to Dr. Ruth Dama, Minister of Youth, Gender, and Sports in Kilifi County, neglect in service provision for people with disabilities is prevalent in many communities.
“We have seen scenarios where people with disabilities are neglected and others not recognized as disabled in most communities. This has gotten to an extent that there are no accessible communication for people with disabilities.”
Dama emphasized the need for solutions, including incorporating audio-visual communication on social media platforms and constructing accessible structures.
“We will introduce audio-visual communication on our social media platforms so that people from rural areas will be able to access information and know how to prevent themselves from issues in our county.”
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of raising awareness among county government leaders about the accessibility of public structures for people with disabilities and mentioned steps the government has taken, such as acquiring wheelchairs for all county offices.
“We should enlighten our leaders to consider the structures or buildings in schools that are sponsored by the county government to consider them. We have already talked to our partner and asked them to give us 10 wheelchairs that will be in all offices of the county.”
Tobias Antony from Special Olympics Kenya on the other hand discussed efforts to provide platforms for people with disabilities to showcase their talents through sports and engage society in accommodating them.
“We use sports to include those with intellectual disabilities and change the narratives and perceptions they have on themselves and the community. We are also implementing workshops for teachers, coaches, social workers, and NGOs, for centers working for people with intellectual disabilities on the concept of unified sports.”
In conclusion, both society and the county government have the responsibility to accommodate and include people with disabilities in the community, guided by policies that protect their rights.

Written by; Miriam Mwijaa