Disabilities
Disabilities
The problem.
Like the minority groups, people with disabilities are also isolated from the decision-making organs. They are also marginalized in resource allocation and their utilization. They are severely marginalized in term of education opportunities, which is compounded by cultural beliefs. Most development projects in Kenya have not taken the case of the disabled into consideration in areas such as the construction of roads, education facilities, health and other public buildings.Also facilities such as the public transport systems have ignored the plight of people with disabilities. To make matters worse, the Government has not devised a social security and welfare scheme for them, thereby subjecting them to live in harsh and cruel conditions.
People with disabilities are poor and neglected. Their number is not known since there is no proper mechanism to register them for budgetary consideration by the government.
Policy Vision. Shirikisho believes in human dignity for all. People with disabilities have rights and responsibilities as human beings and as members of the society. Shirikisho’s vision is that every Kenyan should be give equal opportunity to enjoy all aspects of life to the fullest. These aspects should include the opportunity to be involved in decision-making, economic and social development and resource allocation process Disability is not inability.
Action.
Shirikisho will:1. Address the issue of marginalization in the new Constitution.
2. Develop a policy on affirmative action that will facilitate legislation that ensures integration of people with disabilities, into the mainstream society.
3. Raise levels of awareness on society that disability is not inability, and also that the retired and aged have an advisory role to play on ensuring stability in society.
4. Ensure that enough learning and educational institutions are built for people with disabilities.
5. Ensure also that the designs for infrastructure such as roads, buildings and public transport are friendly to the disabled.
