By Enock Okong’o
Community misconception and stigma relating to children with disability have remained a hindrance to giving them the necessary assistance.
This is according to the manager of Kisii Vocational Rehabilitation Centre Joseph Owino, who said these vices lead to increased negligence and discrimination of the children.
Speaking to Education News in his office, the manager appealed to parents not to hide their disabled children because of perceived shame, but instead expose them to learning institutions to realize their potential.
The manager told parents, service providers and the public to appreciate this group of children and accord them the right to good health, shelter and quality education because it is their obligation.
He said that the social, industrial and spiritual skills inculcated in the learners will help them fit in the changing world.
He highlighted a few problems like inconsistent financing and shortage of relevant teachers, but thanked the SDA church that has always stood with them at their time of need.
Saying that disability is not inability, the manager asked people of good will and the government to support the institution to achieve its maximum goals of empowering the disabled in society.
