Engaging JOOUST Students with Disabilities: A Meeting Brief
A self-advocacy workshop for students registered with the Disability Support Services Unit at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology was held on 11 April 2026. The session was organized by Prof. Charles Omoke and facilitated by Prof. Beatrice Adera, with participation from 15 students.
The training focused on building self-advocacy skills as a key driver of access, retention, and academic success for students with disabilities. In his remarks, Prof. Omoke emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, encouraging students to confidently speak for themselves while reaffirming the unit’s role in supporting them throughout their university journey.
Participants were taken through key legal frameworks, including provisions in the Kenyan Constitution and the Persons with Disabilities Act (2025), highlighting rights and protections in higher education and beyond. The workshop also featured a self-advocacy inventory exercise, enabling students to assess their knowledge, confidence, and skills, while identifying areas for growth.
The session concluded with an engaging discussion on navigating university systems, communicating accommodation needs, understanding legal rights, and fostering independence.
This initiative reflects the University’s continued commitment to inclusive education and empowering students with disabilities to thrive academically and socially.
