The community’s role to children with disabilities

Weekly Guest Show @ Besana Onita Sibanda (OS) discusses a common yet pertinent issue with Fairness Moyana (FM) on the role of the community to children with disabilities

OS: Welcome to our show Fairness Moyana! May you kindly introduce yourself and the organisation you are coming from?

FM: My name is Fairness Moyana. I am the Programmes Manager at Disability Agenda Forum (DAF).

OS: Thank you for the brief intro. When was the organization formed and what is your vision?

FM: DAF was established 16 years ago with a vision to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) economically, socially and culturally. The vision was informed by the fact that PWDs faced serious exclusion in the national discourse. The organisation which has a national outlook is currently working in Matabeleland North province.

OS: What is the response from society in regards to what your organisation does?

FM: The organisation has been well received in the areas of operations as our programming as been informed by the needs in that particular community. One area of interest is the acceptance by society and their desire to change certain norms that made PWDs second class citizens. So, I would confidently say our programming has resonated well with both PWDs and the public.

OS: That’s great! How does having a child with disability impact a family?

FM: Having a child with a disability is often times a shock as it is unprepared. A couple who give birth to child with a disability face discrimination from the health institution first before other family members and the rest of the community come in. Lack of knowledge and proper support structure eventually result in a disability becoming a burden.

OS: As a disability champion, how are you helping these families since they are faced with insecurities regarding to parenting?

FM: We are conducting awareness campaigns, targeting such families and communities around them. At DAF we believe that knowledge is liberating and it is empowering. We have also partnered with organisations offering counselling services as well as the Department of Social Services. Psycho social support is important in assisting such families.

OS: You talked about raising awareness in communities. Why is community important for PWDs?

 FM: PWDs are part of the community and that integration is very important, that they also enjoy the same rights as their able bodied counterparts. Perceptions on PWDs are cultivated in communities and it is the same place you have to sow seeds of transformation through knowledge empowerment.

OS: True! What are the challenges faced by children with disabilities (CWDs) in schools?

FM: Thank you for that question. Children with disabilities face various challenges that come in the form of discrimination and barriers. They are often called names by their peers because of their conditions. Infrastructure is also another barrier that CWD come across at schools. The buildings are not built with them in mind, even the toilets. Oftentimes, the education system in most school does not cater for their special needs thereby resulting in their exclusion in the development matrix.

OS: Thank you for elaborating on that. What can a community do to help disabled people?

FM: The community needs to first understand that disability is not a choice and can happen to anyone. We need to understand that PWDs including children have equal rights called human rights. We all have a role to help in the protection and empowerment of CWDs.

OS: That’s very true. How can a media house like The Besana Mail help children on this issue?

FM: Creating awareness that seeks to educate the masses through their media products is one way. The other is to help in demystifying certain terms and stereotyping associated with disability.

OS: Thank you Fairness! Your last words?

FM: Disability does not mean inability. PWDs can also contribute immensely to the nation.  But, our approach as a community and country at large should be inclusive.  CWDs when given the right support can excel in any area be it academic or sport.

OS: Thank you so much Fairness for the insightful discussion.

FM: Thank you so much Onita for having me.