Tharaka Nithi Marks Progress in Disability Inclusion as County Commits to Stronger Support for PWDs
The county government reasserted that it remains committed to building an inclusive society where the rights and dignity of PWDs are respected across all aspects of development.
The County is determined that all public institutions will be accessible and supportive of every resident, regardless of physical abilities. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Tharaka Nithi County Government has reiterated its commitment to fostering the rights, welfare, and full inclusion of persons living with disabilities, highlighting several improvements made across all sectors of the public.
Speaking during this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the County Executive Committee Member for Children, Gender and Social Services, Karimi Kelly outlined the notable gains the county has made in creating disability-friendly environments. She noted that recent public infrastructure projects included adaptations that reflected increased awareness and adherence to inclusive design standards:
Ms. Kelly noted that most newly built public houses are now fitted into specifications that suit persons with disabilities, an indication of increased commitment to breaking barriers that would earlier limit PWDs from accessing necessary places. She went ahead to say that the health sector had also witnessed significant developments; for instance, hospitals across the county have developed access routes and posted signs in clear directions to aid access and ensure quality service delivery in dignity to people with disabilities.
She said that ECDE centres have been retrofitted to become inclusive of learners with different needs. The County is determined that all public institutions will be accessible and supportive of every resident, regardless of physical abilities.
She said that according to CECM, disability inclusion must be mainstreamed across all development sectors. She reiterated that PWDs have immense skills, talents, and contributions that must be recognized and supported. “Disability does not define incapability. People living with disabilities are equally gifted, and the county must ensure they are not left behind,” she said.
Ms. Kelly disclosed that her department has adopted disability assessment tools and inclusion frameworks to guide all county programmes to ensure that the needs of PWDs are factored in from planning to implementation. She called on community leaders and representatives of PWD groups to remain vigilant in identifying the challenges facing their members and communicating their concerns to the relevant offices.
She called on leaders to take responsibility and familiarize themselves with the needs of PWDs at the local level. Leaders should also report cases of neglect, discrimination, and abuse to the Department of Gender as soon as possible, adding that the county works in close partnership with the Health Department in the provision of medical care and psychosocial support to victims.
Ms. Kelly further announced that, starting February next year, medical officers will be deployed at the grassroots to conduct disability assessments. The process, she explained, would ease the procedures of acquiring a disability card needed to facilitate government benefits and support programmes to residents. The county government reasserted that it remains committed to building an inclusive society where the rights and dignity of PWDs are respected across all aspects of development.
About Author
