Some specialists assist patients and fix wheelchairs at Nyaburi Special School in the Karachuonyo constituency/Robert Omollo
The Jonathan Rays of Hope organisation has donated 85 wheelchairs to children with autism and elderly persons with disabilities as part of its campaign to promote inclusion and restore dignity in Homa Bay County.
The organisation's founder, Caroline Kisuge, said many children living with neurodevelopmental conditions at the grassroots continue to suffer due to limited support and access to essential mobility devices.
She noted that many children with cerebral palsy, a condition that can occur alongside autism in some individuals, face mobility challenges that contribute to stigma and social exclusion.
The organisation is advocating for greater awareness of such conditions and better support for affected families.
Caregiver Esther Awuor with a beneficiary at Nyaburi Special School in Karachuonyo constituency/ Robert Omollo
Kisuge said the initiative was implemented in partnership with Liten Africa Inland Church (AIC) Mission Hospital and Jabritish Care for the Elderly in Central Karachuonyo Ward.
She said the partnership aims to restore hope, dignity and independence for people living with disabilities.
"Most people with cerebral palsy and some disabled elderly persons hurt themselves as they crawl on the ground. We provide them with wheelchairs for mobility purposes and to restore their hopes and dignity," Kisuge said.
Speaking during the donation exercise at Nyaburi Special School in Karachuonyo Constituency, Kisuge urged stakeholders to embrace inclusion by addressing the barriers faced by people with disabilities.
An elderly person is assisted to walk at Nyaburi Special School in Karachuonyo constituency/Robert Omollo
She observed that disability rights advocates have consistently raised concerns over the lack of accessibility in schools, hospitals, offices and other public buildings.
Kisuge called on the government and developers to construct ramps and other accessible infrastructure to enable people with disabilities to move around with ease.
She also appealed for increased support to ensure children with disabilities can access education on an equal basis with others.
Through its partnerships, Jonathan Rays of Hope has so far donated more than 195 wheelchairs to people with disabilities across Homa Bay County.
"The Kenyan government and members of the public should treat wheelchair users with the professionalism and dignity they deserve. Matters of disability need to be handled with care to promote inclusion," she said.
Liten AIC Mission Hospital Chief Executive Officer and physician Elijah Terer said the hospital is committed to reaching vulnerable people in need of assistive devices.
He urged families with relatives living with disabilities not to hide them but instead seek assistance.
Terer said assessments indicate that the demand for wheelchairs remains high across the county.
"Whenever you see one cockroach crawling around, you should know that there are 50 more others still hiding," Terer said, using the analogy to illustrate the large number of people with disabilities who remain unseen.
Jabritish Care for the Elderly Director Duncan Ojijo said many families caring for people with disabilities continue to suffer in silence.
He said his organisation is working to identify and support such families, adding that more than 40 beneficiaries received assistance during the latest donation exercise.
"We have realised that old age comes with disability which needs support. We partner to enhance mobility of people with autism and elderly persons," Ojijo said.
Caregiver Esther Awuor and beneficiary Alfred Osano welcomed the initiative, saying the wheelchairs would significantly improve their lives.
Awuor said she had struggled to care for a 23-year-old woman with severe disabilities because she lacked a mobility device. The woman received a wheelchair during the exercise.
"I am happy she will be taken back to school due to easy movement. We thank all those who came to our aid," Awuor said.
Osano, a retired teacher from Oriang in Karachuonyo, said the wheelchair would give him greater independence.
"I will no longer depend so much on people to move me from one place to another. We have also received some medical attention," Osano said.
