KENYATTA UNIVERSITY Prof. Olive M. Mugenda, PhD, CBS Vice-Chancellor Monday, 25 th June, 2012

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

Prof. Olive M. Mugenda, PhD, CBSVice-Chancellor

Monday, 25th June, 2012

INCREASING ACCESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: THE CASE OF KENYATTA

UNIVESITY

IntroductionAccording to World Bank, 12% of the global

population consists of Persons with Disabilities

186 million of these population comprise of Children

One third of all children out of school (75 million) have disabilities

Excluding persons with disabilities from workforce causes loss of GDP

4.6% of Kenyans experience some form of disability

65% of the PWD in Kenya regard the environment as a major problem

Kenyatta University ISO 9001:2008 Certified

Source: KNSPWD, 2008

Some important statistics, Kenyatta University


Proportion of PWDs among students in KU, 2012


N= 44,000


N= 2,792

Proportion of PWDs among Staff in Kenyatta University, 2012

Challenges of Persons with Disabilities

Mobility – movement to and from the lecture halls is a challenge

Physical infrastructure – previously, most buildings were constructed without taking care of the plight of PWDs


Funding – due to their special needs, funds are a hindrance to PWDs

Attitudinal challenges – Most people in the society have biased attitudes towards PWDs


Initiatives to support Persons with Disabilities in Kenyatta

University


Programmes – through the Department of Special Needs Education various courses are offered which are meant to empower PWDs

Kenyatta University Disability Services Office (KUDSO) was started in 2010 to coordinate issues related to PWDs

The Disability Services Office is instrumental in monitoring the progress and standards of services of PWDs


To enhance mobility for PWDs, the University provides tuk-tuks


University buildings have been customized for easy Access by PWDs



Assistive TechnologyThe Dolphin pen technology is used by

the visually impaired students


Braille services through the Resource Centre attached to the Dean of Students


All major pathways linking up buildings at Kenyatta University are well labeled to ease access to the Deaf students


The Post-Modern Library has a number of facilities which are customized for use by PWDs


Computers for use by PWDs inComputers for use by PWDs in the new Library the new Library


Computers cont’d….Computers cont’d….


Widened toilets for use by PWDs Widened toilets for use by PWDs


Financial Aid – through the University’s Financial Aid Office, some students are supported through scholarships

Students are also guided on how to obtain HELB loans by Kenyatta University Disability Services Office

JAB has had affirmative action which KU has adapted


Sensitization & Attitude ChangeThese are done through the Following:

During orientation sessions to sensitize First year students on the need to maintain NON-DISCRIMINATORY environment and offer assistance to PWDs where need arise

Annual Disability Day which creates awareness about PWDs

Highlight of activities of PWDs through the Kenyatta University Newsletter – a fortnightly publication of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor


Staff matters – The University supports staff with disability as they seek PAYE Tax Relief by contacting Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)


CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Kenyatta University is committed to adherence to and application of the Disability Act, 2004

It is through these initiatives that the University will continue to enhance access to Higher Education for Persons With Disabilities



Thank You

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Documents

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY Prof. Olive M. Mugenda, PhD, CBS Vice-Chancellor Monday, 25 th June, 2012