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{
    "id": 1223622,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1223622/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 139,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Accessibility is not something we can add on or consider as half-baked option at the end of our approach and programs. We will have been over-run by events by then. Accessibility must be embedded at the conception stage. I will give some real-life examples so that the Kenyans who are listening can relate. Let me backtrack a bit and start by saying that there is a sharp departure to the effects of climate change on the non-disabled persons and the disabled and other vulnerable groups. When drought and famine affect the non-disabled, it affects us, the disabled much more. When poor air quality affects you, it affects our health and us far more. When erratic weather patterns, deteriorating integrity of our buildings, streets and other infrastructure affect you, they affect persons with disabilities much more. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, there are reports coming from different western countries that mobility aids are affected by rising temperatures due to climate change. The deaf are reporting that hearing aids are not functioning properly or defaulting and needing repairs quickly because of climate change and high temperatures. Same for the wheelchairs and white canes like what I use here are also being affected. Different materials cannot handle the effects of climate change and that is affecting us as persons with disabilities. Unfortunately, this is not being discussed. I will echo what Sen. Abbas has said about the Council. I have not heard that the nominees are persons with disabilities or identify with any kind of disability unless I get informed today or later on about that. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, how are these imperative, urgent issues and concerns to do with climate change going to be discussed and put forward and tabled in a progressive manner in this Council, if persons with disabilities are not at the table? Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you have heard of the famous saying which says that “if you are not at the table then you will be on the menu.” We do not want to be on the menu because we are on many menus. We are being left behind in so many other ways. We are struggling far more than any non-disabled people in this House can imagine. They see me walking in and out of this House, on television or wherever else, they get news from and they think this is the face of all persons with disabilities. No, I am one of the few who has been blessed with this opportunity and because of that, I must talk about these kinds of issues that are not being discussed at all. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have not heard of any groups or organizations looking deeply into disability inclusive climate change action or justice. The Paris Agreement talks about it. They spoke about it a few months ago at the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27). There were some platforms and forums about this topic. Unfortunately, it is not mainstreamed at all. I would like this to be considered moving forward by the Council. What are they going to be doing? What are the strategies and plans to do with climate change action that are inclusive of marginalized and disproportionately vulnerable groups in this country? I thank you."
}