By James Wakahiu
Two university dons from Mount Kenya University (MKU) have asked the government and institutions of higher learning to treat learners living with disabilities with respect and provide friendly environments to make their lives comfortable.
Led by Dr Serah Kimaru, the coordinator of People Living With Disability (PLWDs) Union and Dean of School of Social Sciences, the lecturers said the society was to blame for the tags of stigma labeled on PLWDs.
They said this during an interview on a local television programme, where they pointed out the role the society played in segregating and stereotyping the physically and mentally challenged.
“My experience as coordinator in charge of the docket that takes care of students living with disability has made me realize that any child abled differently that has completed their primary course is a hero. Society is responsible for disabling people living with disability. People with disabilities are not disabled; it is the society that is disabled and in the process disabling them,” she said.
Dr. Jane Nyutu, Director of Mind and Beyond Counselling Centre, observed that feelings of being a burden to the society might throw victims into depressive and suicidal thoughts.
“The support to people living with disability is also vital in enhancing their self-acceptance. These basics will go a long way in helping them rise beyond disability,” added Dr Nyutu.
The two now want the government and individuals to ensure easy access to public spaces and businesses, and promote equal employment opportunities where everybody has a chance to reach their full potential.
“Collectively, the society should demystify myths, attitudes and perceptions to improve human experience where everyone feels a sense of belonging. By doing this, the spirit of our Constitution will have more meaning to the entire society,” they said.
MKU is spearheading community support to the physically challenged persons in all its campuses. It has invested in the necessary infrastructure and policy to support the differently abled persons and accord them equal opportunities.
These include allowing the students with disability to be served first in offices that require students to queue, and giving them first priority when they need to use elevators.
Dr Kimaru also asked university security personnel to support students with visual and physical impairments when climbing staircases.
In lecture halls, she suggested, students should allow their visually-impaired colleagues and those using wheelchairs to sit in front and to get chairs ready for them.
The lecturers and class representatives’ roles are to ensure that the students who are in need of extra support are assisted and made comfortable while in class.
While roommates of students with visual impairment are morally expected to assist them in performing some tasks such as washing clothes, catering staff should allow the normal students to serve food to the students with disabilities.
Nonetheless, in recent times, MKU has witnessed an increased number of persons with disability going for elective positions within student organizations such as MKU Students Association (MKUSA).
