One of the most common forms of disability in our current society is physical disability. When the disability affects the lower limbs, causing crippling, the only aids available are either use of crutches, use of prosthetic legs or use of wheel chairs.
For the able bodied, a wheel chair can seem to be sort of like a toy, resembling the old generation baby walkers, where you simply place an 8-11 month old baby to learn how to make his/her first strides in life. However, for the physically disabled, a wheel chair means a lot more. It means the difference of either getting somewhere or not. It means either being independent or remaining under the whims of anyone with the responsibility of moving you around. In essence, it means either leaving a lasting impact in this world or simply being a victim of circumstances. All brought about by one thing:
Mobility.
Huge Step in the Right Direction
Month: January
Day: Friday the 15th
This was a big win day for the fraternity of Persons with disabilities in Taita Taveta County. Representatives from the four sub counties all converged at Moi County Referral Hospital in Voi where 100 wheelchairs and hats were distributed to various disability groups in the County.
County Government officials, led by Her Excellency Deputy Governor, Mary Ndiga Kibuka handed over the wheelchairs as received from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities. In attendance were the Members of County Assembly representing Disability Interests: Hon John Maghanga and Hon Rozina Kisochi, Hon Justine Mwambi of Mbololo Ward, Hon Arresmus Mwarabu of Mwatate Ward, Hon Elizabeth Mwatela and officers from the Department of Trade and Community Affairs led by Director Richard Kibengo.
Sign Language – the Universal Language?
Most of the speeches on that day revolved around the theme of the event: the fact that wheelchairs are being handed over to improve the welfare of the physically disabled in the County, which is a noble cause. However, one speech given by Hon Rozina Kisochi stood out from the rest.
Think about it: Swahili is Kenya’s National Language. English and Swahili are Kenya’s Official languages. Is that the same case for our brothers and sisters who are deaf? And Dumb? Does Sign language have a place in mainstream society? Will we ever see a time in our country’s history where ALL students will have to learn sign language as one of the languages in their linguistic arsenal?
After thinking hard, it has definitely dawned on me that sign language is indeed a universal language. It takes advantage of one major component of communication: Body language. Literally! Only this time, you need to master some deft hand movements and facial expressions, which will signify something or lack of it. But the point remains: A smile will mean emotions of happiness whether you are in Timbuktu, Alaska or even Voi.
I pray to see the day when we will have sign language as part of our curriculum. Meanwhile, before then, we can perhaps strive to get more wheelchairs for our County folk as well as encourage more able bodied individuals to learn the Universal language, that is Sign Language.
Mwatate sub county 