Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) held a workshop to give insights about rights of PWDs in our community. The workshop included community leaders hostel owners, students.The event was held at University Inn, aimed to build capacity and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities (PWDs) within the university and the surrounding communities.
Ms. Angela Nakato, the focal person for PWDs at MUST who was the moderate for the day emphasized the need to use the wright language around PWDs, “this has affected the self-esteem of persons living with impairments. Take an example of the local language words that define impairments” ekiteta ekilema kasili…………..we need to watch what say to encourage PWDs”
She further share a story of a famous Zimbabwean writer and entrepreneur, Mr. Trevor Ncube who was broken by words in his early years in school being told by his teacher that he was useless due to dyslexia disorder, but later in high school, Trevor was molded and made by words of encouragement by his teacher that he even picked the courage to campaign for the position of head boy, which he won. He was told, “you are gifted in speech and this will take you place you can be anything in this world and I know you are going to make it” said Trevor’s teacher. Angella encourage the audience to watch Trevor’s video on u-tube to get the gist of the power of language on PWDs
In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Stella Dusabe, the PWDs coordinator and representative on the university council expressed her gratitude to everyone who honored the invitation. She emphasized the need to work collaboratively with community members who interact with PWDs daily. She acknowledged the essential role played by hostel owners in providing accommodation for students with disabilities and highlighted the bottom-up approach adopted by the university to effectively plan for their needs.
Mr. Emmanuel Kyagaba, the Dean of Students, addressed the audience and emphasized the importance of advocating for the rights of PWDs. He spoke about the United Nations Declaration for Persons with Disabilities, stressing the need for society to support and recognize the rights of PWDs. Mr. Kyagaba highlighted MUST’s disability and special needs policy objectives and the university’s commitment to implementing the policy at national and international levels. He also emphasized the significance of conducting research to gather evidence for future interventions.
During the workshop, various speakers shed light on common types of disabilities and special needs. Ms. Maureen Kahima, the Deputy Dean of students shared her insights into the challenges faced by PWDs on campus and in the surrounding areas. She highlighted the difficulties in identifying students with special needs and the stigma they often face from their peers.
However, she also mentioned the university’s efforts to accommodate these students by providing necessary facilities, such as ground-floor rooms and walkways with ramps. Students with disabilities admitted on government sponsorship also receive a small allowance to support them throughout the semester. Ms. Kahima commended the supportive staff and students who go the extra mile to ensure their fellow students with disabilities do not miss out on lectures.
She also thanked government’s support through arms like the NCHE that thought about supporting PWDs in higher institutions of learn through the cyber school. “these have pledged support through online teaching and most importantly they will provide assistive technologies to all impaired persons” we feel indebted to you, cyber school and pledge our full support
Mr. Oyesigye Stuart drew attention to the plight of students and staff with disabilities in higher institutions of learning. His speech shed light on the challenges faced by PWDs in accessing education and called for increased inclusivity in academic environments.
Additionally, Mr. Mugume Ihinduza from the District Education Office of Mbarara city shared insights on how to include PWDs in inclusive schools, emphasizing the importance of adapting teaching methodologies and creating accessible learning environments.
The workshop also addressed employment opportunities for people living with disabilities, with Mr. Moses Ntaro highlighting the need for inclusive hiring practices and the potential of PWDs in the workforce. Participants were then divided into group to give more input on PWDs inclusion in our community.