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{
    "id": 1228740,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1228740/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 229,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "It goes without saying that public policy and sensitization is incredibly important through the Ministry of Education for teachers of autistic children to exercise more than anyone else as this is an essential prerequisite for effective classroom management. Mr. Speaker, Sir, while the day celebrates the stories and lives of those with autism, it is important to remember that this is a lifelong condition with varying degrees of severity. Therefore, therapy for autistic learners would be best offered in schools because without it, it gives rise to further disadvantages to them and their families. Being that a lot of autistic learners are currently not receiving any therapy as it is only offered in main Government hospitals, it means that parents are forced to choose either making frequent requests to their employers for days off to travel long distances to seek therapy for their autistic children and risk losing their jobs or left with no choice but to leave these learners at home to fend for themselves. This is an unfair choice to be forced to make and can be resolved through integration in schools, inclusivity and medical support being offered in all Government schools, which have a better footprint across the country. With schools being in charge of educational progress and consistency with regard to attendance and interventions, many autistic learners can grow up to be successful and independent members of society once therapy is made accessible and affordable to them within schools. Integration is also for protection. Those on the spectrum are beaten, hidden away, tied to trees or bed posts for the day, or killed because it is believed that they are demon possessed. The UK is one of the few countries that has successfully implemented legislation to ensure that learners with neuro-diverse conditions receive consistent therapy within schools. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I wish to underscore the need for us to create legislation that enhances the lives of persons with autism, promote autism awareness throughout the month of April, and educate Kenyans on the signs, symptoms, and facts related to the condition. Some of my recommendations include- (1) THAT the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, provides for Applied Behavior Therapy also known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as Sensory Integration Therapy within school institutions where learners with autism are enrolled. (2) THAT the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the County Governments through the Council of Governors (CoG), creates frameworks that exclusively incorporates learners with disabilities in bursary allocation, so that learners with autism can also benefit as a form of affirmative action. (3) THAT the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) hosts or supports events promoting autism awareness and encourage persons with autism to share their stories and make their voices heard. (4) Mr. Speaker, you can also attend any of the several events planned through April to show your support as a leader, in commemorating World Autism Awareness Day. (5) Colleague, Senators, can speak out about autism throughout the month of April, to help eliminate the stigma associated with it."
}