At the Mt. Kenya Network Forum, our vision of an inclusive society is more than an aspiration—it is a fundamental commitment. We believe that every individual, regardless of ability, has the right to participate fully in social, economic, and organizational life. In partnership with Light for the World, we recently hosted a pivotal Disability Inclusion Training session for our staff and members, marking a major milestone in our journey toward meaningful inclusion.
This training was not just a theoretical exercise; it was a transformative experience designed to align our internal operations with the values of equity, accessibility, and dignity for all.
Defining Disability Inclusion: Our Guiding Principles
At its core, disability inclusion means creating environments where all people, especially Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), can participate equally, contribute fully, and live with dignity. Our training highlighted five key pillars that guide this approach:
- Equal Participation: Ensuring inclusive access to opportunities, decision-making, and services.
- Respect & Dignity: Upholding the inherent worth of every individual.
- Accessibility: Removing physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers.
- Attitude & Awareness: Cultivating empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.
- Collaboration: Partnering with PWDs, their organizations, and other stakeholders for shared impact.
These principles are not just checkboxes—they are the foundation of a genuinely inclusive organization and society.
Understanding the Journey: Models of Inclusion
One of the most insightful segments of the training involved the Models of Inclusion, which map the progression from exclusion to full inclusion:
- Exclusion: Total absence of participation by persons with disabilities.
- Separation: Services and activities are provided separately.
- Integration: PWDs are placed in mainstream settings but expected to adapt.
- Inclusion: Systems and environments are designed to accommodate everyone equally.
At Mt. Kenya Network Forum, we are deliberately moving toward true inclusion, where our structures and culture empower PWDs to thrive without barriers.
Training Objectives: Building Capacity with Intention
The training was guided by focused objectives that reflect our organizational priorities:
- To create accessible physical and communication environments within our organization.
- To foster empathy, respect, and sensitivity toward PWDs.
- To ensure that staff understand their roles in promoting accessibility and equity.
- To raise awareness about key accessibility features like ramps, signage, handrails, wide doorways, and accessible toilets.
- To solidify our commitment to delivering inclusive and exceptional experiences for all.
These goals ensure that our internal team is not only informed but empowered to lead inclusion efforts both within the Forum and across the communities we serve.
Effective Communication and Accessible Services: Practical Strategies
Inclusion requires more than policy—it demands day-to-day awareness and action. The training emphasized practical steps for improving how we communicate and serve persons with disabilities:
- Use of clear and respectful language
- Understanding non-verbal communication and body language
- Recognition and support of assistive devices and communication aids
- Active listening and encouraging clarification
- Providing help with sensitivity and respect for autonomy
- Ensuring feedback and complaint mechanisms are accessible and effective
These practical skills form the bedrock of respectful and empowering engagement with PWDs.
The Disability Inclusion Scorecard: A Roadmap for Progress
A major outcome of the training was the introduction of the Disability Inclusion Scorecard—a structured tool for assessing and improving inclusion across our operations.
The scorecard enables us to:
- Evaluate how accessible and inclusive our spaces, practices, and leadership are
- Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement
- Track progress over time
- Align with national and global best practices in disability inclusion
This tool will guide our decision-making and strategic planning moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Embedding Inclusion in All We Do
The journey doesn’t end with one training session—it begins there. Based on what we’ve learned, Mt. Kenya Network Forum is taking the following steps:
- Apply the Disability Inclusion Scorecard regularly to guide improvements
- Implement inclusive practices across all departments and activities
- Advocate for accessible environments and policies in line with Kenya’s context and realities
- Maintain partnerships like the one with Light for the World to continue capacity building
- Promote ongoing training and awareness among staff and community partners
We are committed to becoming not only a more inclusive organization ourselves but also a catalyst for broader societal change.
Gratitude and A Call to Action
We extend our sincere appreciation to Light for the World for their ongoing partnership and leadership in disability inclusion. This training has not only enlightened our staff and members—it has renewed our resolve.
As we look ahead, we invite our partners, stakeholders, and the broader Mt. Kenya community to join us in this mission. Together, we can ensure that Persons with Disabilities are not just included but empowered, economically and socially, to lead full, independent lives.
Stay connected with us for more updates as we take bold steps toward a more just, inclusive, and empowered future for all.
