The University’s Promoting Awareness and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Education and Community based Programmes (PAPPS) team presented the National Centre For Habilitation And Rehabilitation For Persons With Disabilities (CHARED) proposal to the Parliamentary Committee on Labor and Social Welfare in Kisumu.
This was preceded by a preliminary meeting early this year during the University’s Annual Disability day held to discuss the possibility of the establishment of CHARED in partnership with the Government. The Parliamentary Committee on Labor and Social Welfare led by Hon. Ali Wario who is also the Member of Parliament Bura Constituency comprised of Hon. David Ole Sankok Nominated Member of Parliament , Hon. Tom Mboya Odege Member of Parliament Nyatike Constituency, and Hon. Ronald Tonui.
While giving his opening remarks, the Vice ChancellorProf. Stephen Agong', thanked the Parliamentary Committee for giving the University an opportunity to support the efforts in place by the Government in empowerment of Persons with Disability in the country. He added “I assure you that this project is not birthed on selfish or ego-centric motives but towards addressing the biggest gap. Given a chance, this will form an inaugural research center that focuses on training and study on special needs and emerging trends in Persons with Disability study.”
After listening through the presentation of the proposal, Hon. Ali Wario thanked the Vice Chancellor and the team saying that he was already convinced that the Centre will not only save a society or an entire community but an entire nation. He added “We need to bring all the key stakeholders on board. I want this to be a national tool where every stakeholder takes part in this in order to start this journey. The purpose is bigger than the money and I’m convinced that it is possible to get the financial support the project requires.”
CHARED is all about bridging the gap of lack of awareness to rights and services among the Persons with Disability and consequently access to these rights and services. With its inclusive approach, PWDs will be sensitized on socio-economic activities for developmental purposes, encouraged through formation of support groups for caregivers, parents and other stakeholders to enable them cope with challenges associated with PWDs, Train PWDs on daily life survival skills and most importantly engage in research to inform current thinking in the habilitation and rehabilitation process.
The objectives of the Center include establishing a skills training Centre for habilitation and rehabilitation of PWDS, increase the level of participation of PWDS in social -economic development through creation of awareness on funding opportunities and rights, to develop training, social and economic programs to enable PWDs start income generating activities, to establish a production unit for affordable disability equipment for sustainability of CHARED for example, wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking frames and also prevention/reduction of effects of hearing and visual impairment through early intervention.
The CHARED proposal was developed led by team led by Dr. Henry Onderi, the Project Leader, Dr. Charles Omoke, the Project Co-Leader, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Innovation and Outreach, Prof. Benson Estambale who is also the advisor, Dr. Ruth Otienoh, Dr. Pamela Raburu, Dr. Elijah Museve, Prof. Dennis Ochuodho, and Mr. Naphtaly Osika.