UoN Launches Disability Mainstreaming Strategy as it marks the 3rd IDPWD
The University of Nairobi launched the Disability Mainstreaming Strategy as it commemorated the 3rd International Day of Persons with Disability (IDPWD), on 4th December, 2023. This strategy aims to promote an enabling environment for effective and efficient service delivery to Persons with Disabilities in the University Community. The strategy is anchored in four themes; Accessibility of physical, digital & social environment, Capacity building, Research & Innovation and Increased participation of Staff and Students with disabilities in University Processes.
The event emphasized the University's dedication to fostering a setting where persons with disabilities can achieve excellence. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama’s address accentuated that the UoN Disability Mainstreaming Strategy seeks to achieve excellence in disability inclusion. The Vice Chancellor quoted Archimedes Syracuse on the importance of a fulcrum on a lever, symbolizing the importance of education to PWDs. He noted, ‘The role of the University is to give you education that will enable you to be limitless.’
Hon. Dr. Isaac Mwaura, Government spokesperson and the Chief Guest, underscored the importance of inclusivity in the success of PWDs. He shared his story of how his leadership and advocacy skills were honed when he participated in the school’s leadership. He also commended the university for its contributions in fostering disability inclusivity. “Today we witness yet another milestone to the unveiling of the University of Nairobi disability strategy for the next five years, the true testament of the institution’s commitment to fostering an environment where every individual can thrive regardless of their abilities”, he declared.
The University of Nairobi has taken monumental strides in championing inclusivity of persons with disability. “We have made tremendous achievement including being the 1st University to have a disability inclusion policy”, said Prof. Collins Odote, the Chair of the Disability Mainstreaming Strategy. Prof. Odote advocated for the sensitization of disabilities in learning institutions targeting staff and students stressing the role of research, innovation and capacity building as the key pillars for sustainable disability inclusion.
To further the conversation, during a panel discussion, the panelists talked about the challenges experienced by PWDs in educational institutions. “The biggest problem is that disability still continues to be dealt with through only one office-the disability liaison office, yet the issue involves everyone including lecturers, consideration of Inclusivity needs to be all rounded from the design of buildings,” said Dr. Reginald Oduor, persons with disability instructor and Senior Lecturer at UoN. Dr. Oduor pointed out that the University of Nairobi is supporting People with Disability by facilitating accessibility to resources that make them “able”. He continued to say, “Lets promote accessibility, in this case accessibility is making things usable by Persons with Disability”.
The event underscored the universities commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible educational environment for all to realize full potential. “Disability is no limitation”.
Click on the link to watch the video on Disability Inclusivity Policy.
https://youtu.be/r_fRAFc3uDk?si=FN8E3JXatDGHQFqQ
