In an ideal society, every individual—regardless of ability—should have equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights. However, for many persons with disabilities, this is still a distant reality. At the Federation of and for People with Disabilities (FPD), we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and advocating for an inclusive nation where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Understanding the Challenges
Persons with disabilities face numerous challenges in everyday life, from limited access to education and employment to barriers in public spaces and digital platforms. Despite existing laws and policies that promote inclusivity, implementation often falls short, leaving many behind.
For instance, while the Kenyan Constitution (2010) and the Persons with Disabilities Act (2004) outline the rights of persons with disabilities, issues like inaccessible infrastructure, lack of reasonable accommodations in workplaces, and inadequate healthcare services continue to persist.
What Inclusion Really Means
Inclusion is not just about physical accessibility—it’s about creating an environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate in society without limitations. This means:
- Inclusive Education: Ensuring that schools are equipped to accommodate students with disabilities through assistive technology, trained educators, and accessible learning materials.
- Employment Opportunities: Encouraging both public and private sectors to hire persons with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations.
- Accessible Infrastructure: Advocating for disability-friendly buildings, transportation, and digital accessibility to ensure ease of movement and interaction.
- Representation in Leadership: Promoting political participation and ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice in decision-making processes.
Our Impact So Far
FPD has been at the forefront of advocating for these changes. Some of our key contributions include:
Legislative Advocacy: Played a role in the creation of the Persons with Disabilities Act (2004) and lobbied for disability-inclusive articles in the 2010 Constitution.
Global Influence: Worked alongside African disability organizations and the UN to help shape the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Policy Implementation: Continuously engaging the government, private sector, and stakeholders to enforce existing policies and develop new ones.
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