The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has initiated a program to distribute incontinence supplies to approximately 200 individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other related developmental disabilities in Kericho County. This effort, part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Related Developmental Disabilities (ASD-RDD) Programme, aims to alleviate the financial burden of essential supplies on affected individuals and their families.
According to Kericho County Coordinator for Disability Services Hopkins Olasi, the council identified about 200 families through a mapping exercise conducted prior to the program's implementation. The program, which commenced in 2024, provides diapers, incontinence products, therapy services, and essential medicines to eligible beneficiaries, with support intended to continue annually.
Olasi emphasized that acquiring incontinence supplies was a significant financial challenge for many families, making the council's intervention crucial in helping them meet the daily care needs of their dependents. The program covers children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and other related developmental disabilities who require the specified support.
The NCPWD encourages families with members having conditions covered by the program but have not registered with the council to visit its Kericho office for mapping and registration. This facilitates consideration for assistance. Ann Wambui, a resident of Nyagacho Estate, expressed gratitude for the donated diapers, which will ease the cost of caring for her 14-year-old son, James Kariuki, who has a severe disability.
Wambui mentioned that the donation would meet her son's needs for several weeks, as buying diapers from shops is very expensive. The council's support will significantly help her in caring for her son. The initiative demonstrates the council's commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
In a related development, Olasi disclosed that NCPWD has partnered with KCB Foundation, Kenya Pipeline Foundation, and Safaricom Foundation to identify learners with disabilities completing Grade Nine under the Junior School curriculum for possible sponsorship as they transition to Grade 10 in senior school. Eligible learners will be considered for sponsorship based on their academic performance.
The partnership aims to support learners with disabilities in both special schools and mainstream institutions. Successful applicants can attend schools of their choice, subject to submission of admission letters and fee structures to guide the determination of sponsorship amounts. This initiative is open to all eligible learners with disabilities across the county.
Key points
- The National Council for Persons with Disabilities targets 200 individuals with autism and related disabilities in Kericho County with diaper distribution.
- The program provides diapers, incontinence products, therapy services, and essential medicines to eligible beneficiaries.
- NCPWD partners with foundations to sponsor learners with disabilities transitioning to Grade 10.
