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    "id": 656218,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/656218/?format=api",
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    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the board that exists should be empowered to ensure that they follow through what is expected of them; this becomes critical for us. As we make these decisions, we should keep in mind that disability is not segregated for a particular group of people or person. We have had incidences in the past of able people who have ended up with disabilities due to accidents or disease and they become unable to function the way they used to before. We must, therefore, change our mindset when talking about disabilities. We need to know that we are talking about disability and all of us have a potential to be disabled even when we were originally not disabled. Therefore, the rationale for the amendments is very sound. For instance, there is the proposed amendment that the retirement age for the disabled be increased to 65 years. Before it was 60 years for civil servants, now it needs to be increased to 65 years. It was 60 years for those who with disability and 55 years for those who had no disability. Now, that there is a change to the age of 60 years for those without disability, it is critical, therefore, that age be changed to 65 years. That affirmative action and increment in the five years was already catered for legislatively. So, it is just a question of changing the age bracket because that age bracket has also legislatively changed. There is also the amendment on allowing persons with disabilities to enjoy services and move from one place to another. We should provide electronic and mechanized system of wheel chairs for them. That should not be difficult. However, as hon. Senators have said, there is a problem because then, sometimes buildings do not have ramps for persons with disabilities. We have talked a lot. Some action needs to be taken especially for new buildings that are coming up to put that into consideration. Assistive devices and other equipment are critical, including services of a qualified interpreter to guide persons with disabilities, especially the blind. In the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, we had a member who was blind, but despite that, he was able to get through primary, secondary to earning a doctorate degree which is no mean feat. So, it is possible. This subset of persons with disabilities has made it despite all the odds. This should act as a motivator and role model for many other young people who have not made it for one reason or another. Some of the nominated Members especially those in this House and the National Assembly are playing the role of ensuring that persons with disabilities are motivated so that they can move on. In The County Early Childhood Education Bill, 2014 that is currently in the National Assembly, this issue is tackled from the onset. For example, children will not be discriminated in ECDE centres because of disabilities. They are catered for. Families and communities can look at persons with disabilities in villages, wards, constituencies and ensure that problem does not stop them from progressing. Some affirmative action needs to be taken. As one speaker recently said, it is about putting ourselves in that place. When you change your lense and perspective, 10 per cent of the population is a big category that is necessary for development. We cannot talk about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) yet a big part of attaining them has to do with how we handle the persons with disabilities and how we ensure that they come to the fore and meaningfully contribute to development. Most of the time they want to contribute and have the ability to do so, but unfortunately, they are not facilitated. SDGs; be it in education, agriculture or The electronic version of theSenate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}