Kenya Society for the Mentally Handicapped

When it comes to education, the mentally disabled are greatly disadvantaged. There are many reasons for this but one of the main one is the early assessment of children suspected to have developmental difficulties. Through the efforts of KSMH, Education Assessment and Rehabilitation Centers were established with funding from DANIDA to the government. These centers are now doing excellent work of assessment. However, the parents need information and encouragement to bring their children for assessment.

KSMH is working in this field to bring more children with mental disabilities to formal and inclusive education. It is significant that in spite of the huge population of 2.8 million persons with disabilities, only 23,000 children are now in school. A lot of work needs to be done in this sector to bring education to these children. At the same time, there is a case for providing informal education to all those who are unable to join the formal education in government schools. It is also necessary to build up pressure on government for establishing more special units within normal schools for persons with mental disabilities and to provide for extra care for these children.

Kenya Society for the Mentally Handicapped working to sensitize parents on importance of early education assessment and placement of children in schools. This work is done by holding events and open public meetings.