Environmental and social factors in the accessibility of non-formal education to physically disabled persons in Kenya

Abstract

The management of disabled persons in Kenya is yet to attain a reasonable degree of organization. The modalities for enhancement of their social integration into the community have not been given adequate attention yet. The struggle for survival in the face of fluctuating economic trends and the general competition for scarce resources have confounded attempts to provide for the disabled. The non-disabled persons are so concerned with their own survival that there is no time left for the disadvantaged groups. In the light the foregoing concern, there is a need to provide facilities for them in the mainstream society to enable them access the few non-formal educational opportunities available. This would enable the disabled persons to compete side by side with the non-disabled. The purpose of this paper therefore is to identify issues which affect mobility, transport, access requirements of physically disabled persons (PDs) in Kenya and the impending approach towards their resolutions to facilitate non-formal education interventions. It is noteworthy that the physical environment can be improved to caterfor the learning and mobility requirements of PDs. It is also possible to educate the general public about such requirements and to put in place appropriate enforcement mechanisms.