By Our Reporter
Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) is pushing for Kenya sign language to be recognized in the constitution as a national language.
KISE Council Chair John Mugo noted that if children can learn German, French, and Chinese, which are foreign languages, they can also learn sign language.
He said more Kenyans need to be taught sign language adding that the institute is advocating for the Kenya sign language to be compulsory in all secondary schools.
Mugo, who was speaking during KISE graduation ceremony, said this will ensure inclusivity in the country.
The institute conducts research to inform government policy and this year, it conducted two research studies entitled Situational Analysis of Inclusive Education Practices in Technical and Vocational Training Institutions in Kenya.
Another research was on The Role of Teachers in Identification and Support of Learners with Learning Disabilities in Primary Schools in Kenya.
“The reports of the findings of these two studies are complete and the institute is optimistic that relevant stakeholders and institutions will use them to inform policy formulation and improve service delivery to Kenyans with special needs and disabilities,” KISE Director Timothy Wambua said.
“After assessment, advice was provided to parents, teachers and other service providers on educational placement and other intervention measures,” he added.
The institute rehabilitated a total of 1816 children with Cerebral Palsy and Speech Difficulties in the last one year.
In addition, the institute has continued to educate the public on matters of epical needs and disabilities.
This is done through outreach activities and in the last two years, KISE has visited over 10 counties where over 2,000 parents of children with special needs and disabilities were reached to and assisted.
In 2019, the institute completed the construction of the National Education Assessment and Research Centre, funded by the Government.
The centre will enhance timely assessment and rehabilitation of children with special needs and abilities in Kenya.
The centre, constructed at an estimated to cost Sh1 billion, will serve as a research hub to inform policy and research on special needs and inclusive education.
This will also transform the way psycho educational assessment is done, not only in Kenya but also in the region.
