22-year-old Billy Otieno, a student from Sikri TVET for the Blind and Deaf has become the first blind student to pursue a Japanese dry massage course known as Shiatsu.
Billy said that his passion for self-sufficiency led him to join the institution when the Shiatsu course was newly introduced by the principal.
His proficiency in performing traditional Japanese massage is so impressive that one would hardly believe he is blind.
Billy further recalled his initial uncertainty about which course to pursue but ultimately chose Shiatsu to adapt to the world and secure a means of livelihood.
“Shiatsu is a unique form of massage therapy that employs hand and thumb pressure on various points of the body without the use of oil, sought after for relaxation, healing, and relief,” he stated.
Despite his determination, Billy faces challenges stemming from a lack of advanced technology and widespread unawareness of this particular massage technique.
“With technological advancements, finding the appropriate Japanese cloth for head massage is difficult, and the stigma around the blind’s capabilities still prevails,” he lamented.
Nonetheless, Billy is resolute in his ambition to complete his studies and establish his own clinic, not only to support himself but also to change the prevailing community narrative regarding persons with disabilities.
Another visually impaired student pursuing a diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from the same institution Corason Odhiambo, skillfully operates the Orbit reader, an accessible and portable device that has replaced the cumbersome Braille machine.
This innovation allows visually impaired students to learn, take notes, and study with ease, anywhere and anytime.
The Head of the Special Needs Department, George Bonyo, emphasized that the institution’s commitment to enrolling students with multiple disabilities in creative art courses has created opportunities for these often marginalized individuals.
“By equipping them with technical skills, the institution empowers people with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives, challenging societal stigmas and prejudices,” Bonyo stated.
These inspiring students are breaking down barriers, proving that disability is not a hindrance to success, but rather a stepping stone to their dreams and a more inclusive society.
By Kiarie Macharia
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
