Celebrating the 6th JOOUST Disability Day and honoring the resilience and achievements of individuals with disabilities.

Speech By Professor Emily Achieng’ Akuno, PHD, Ogw, Vice
Chancellor, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University Of Science And
Technology On The Occasion Of The 6th Jooust Disability Day On
The 14th March 2025, At the Sports Pavillion

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed visitors, honored teachers, and most importantly, the
special learners who graced us with their presence today, I am humbled to address you as
the Vice Chancellor of JOOUST, to commemorate the International Day of Persons with
Disabilities. The day is commemorated annually on December 3rd and is observed to
promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It aims at raising awareness
about their plight across various domains such as political, social, economic, and cultural
arenas. At JOOUST, we particularly mark this day every year, although not necessarily on
that this date, because we believe in the importance of building an inclusive community
year-round.

People with disabilities face different barriers to their entry into the mainstream of society,
whose root cause in most instances lies in social unawareness and few opportunities in
education, employment, and politics. Poverty, stigma, and discrimination are typical
barriers to their access to vital services and support mechanisms necessary for effective
living on a day-to-day basis. The education sector, in particular, can either contribute to the
marginalization of persons with disabilities or serve as a platform for inclusivity and
empowerment. Indeed, in the absence of adequate awareness and support, individuals
with disabilities will have very little chance of accessing full involvement in society.

We at JOOUST are relentless in our commitment to make our university inclusive and
equal for all individuals. We realize that people with disabilities are equal to any other
citizen. To attest to this commitment, we have established a dedicated Disability
Mainstreaming Committee to ensure our university is not only accessible but also friendly
to students with disabilities. In addition to this initiative, we have created the JOOUST
Disability Support Services Unit. This Unit is of particular importance in the support of
students with disabilities in negotiating the academic, social, and economic environments
of higher education.

Besides, our Special Needs Education (SNE) skills lab is equipped with hardware and
software designed to optimize learning for special needs students. The lab enables
students to employ assistive technologies that facilitate learning as well as participation in
class. We also offer specialized training programs for teachers, equipping them with skills
needed to teach and involve learners with special needs.

In line with last year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme, "Amplifying
the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future," it is not
a coincidence that we adopt celebrating diversity, as it forms our vision. At JOOUST, we
believe that our strength lies in our differences and that our living together as a
community enriches our learning environment.

However, it is important to reckon that while we have made great strides in making room
for people with disabilities, there is still much to be done. We envision working more
closely with our students with disabilities to cement an environment for all. Our
partnerships with various organizations for and of people with disabilities allow us to
leverage on the technological assistance available to our students and further the agenda
of inclusivity.

Lastly, but not the least, our university is engaged in significant research activities
revolving around disability issues, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our research is
making a difference, not just within JOOUST, but in the county and country as well.
In closing, let us continue to embrace our diversity, fight for the rights of persons with
disabilities, and collaborate to bring about a greater future for everyone.

Thank you,

Prof. Emily Achieng’ Akuno, PhD, OGW
Vice Chancellor