By Elizabeth Wanjiku

On February 4, the Disability Inclusion office conducted a disability inclusion sensitization training for staff members from various Departments in collaboration with Light for the World Kenya. This initiative aimed to enhance awareness of inclusive services, address existing barriers, and equip participants with strategies to better support students with disabilities. Given USIU-Africa’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, the training was a crucial step toward ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, have equal access to opportunities and resources.

The session was a direct outcome of a stakeholder analysis jointly conducted with Light for the World Kenya. This analysis assessed the university’s strengths and weaknesses in disability inclusion, identified opportunities for improvement, and proposed a strategic implementation plan. One of the critical gaps identified was the need for capacity building among staff, particularly those in direct service roles. With a significant number of students with disabilities enrolled at USIU-Africa, it was essential to ensure that all staff members had the knowledge and skills necessary to support them effectively.

The two-hour training session brought together representatives from diverse Departments, including Student Life, E-Learning, Library, and the cafeteria, all of which play a vital role in shaping the student experience. A major highlight of the session was the participation of a student with a disability, who shared personal experiences navigating campus life. The student provided firsthand insights into the effectiveness of existing holistic support services, the challenges they face, and the areas that require improvement. Their testimony underscored the fact that USIU-Africa has made significant strides in disability inclusion proving to be a center of excellence for learning.

The training covered a range of topics, including an overview of different types of disabilities, the barriers that hinder full participation in academic and social activities, and strategies for fostering a more inclusive environment. Through discussions and interactive sessions, participants were encouraged to view disability inclusion not as a special favor but as a fundamental right that should be upheld by all members of the university community.

Throughout the session, staff members acknowledged the commendable efforts the university has made toward disability inclusion. Several achievements were highlighted, including the implementation of adaptive and inclusive sports programs, innovations in the full accessibility of online courses, academic support tailored to individual needs, and the establishment of a well-structured referral system connecting students with essential resources and services. However, the training also revealed several areas that require further attention.

One of the key challenges identified was the lack of training among service providers, particularly those working in student service areas such as cafeterias. Many of these staff members are unfamiliar with disability etiquette and inclusive service provision, which can create unintentional barriers for students with disabilities. To address this issue, USIU-Africa plans to celebrate the Low Vision Awareness Month and Wheelchair Awareness Day next month.

These initiatives will focus on sensitizing staff in service areas on best practices for assisting students with disabilities and promoting a culture of inclusion across campus.

As the training concluded, the project manager of the Ready for Inclusive Employment project, RISE, Ms. Dona Akoth delivered closing remarks, emphasizing that this sensitization session was part of a broader strategy to strengthen disability inclusion at higher education institutions. The primary goals outlined included identifying students who require additional training and equipping them with employability and core life skills, conducting disability audits in institutions to assess and improve accessibility, and training staff members to ensure that disability inclusion is effectively integrated into institutional practices.

The training was an eye-opening experience for many staff members, who expressed appreciation for the initiative. Several participants noted that the session helped them recognize areas where they could strengthen their efforts, while also introducing them to new strategies for making their departments more inclusive.

For USIU-Africa, this training is just one step in an ongoing journey toward greater inclusivity. As the university continues to implement initiatives that support students with disabilities, collaboration between Departments, student feedback, and ongoing staff training will remain essential. Disability inclusion is not just about compliance—it is about creating an environment where every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.