Advocacy Highlights
A snapshot of our ongoing work to advance disability rights, mental health inclusion, and equal opportunities across Kenya and Africa.
Mental Health, Disability Rights & Sign Language: September Spotlight
September is a month of action and remembrance. Globally, it marks Suicide Prevention Month and the International Day of Sign Languages (Sept 23) — two reminders that inclusion is not optional, it is life-saving.
At PＦＥＩ, we affirm that mental health inclusion, disability rights, and accessible communication are deeply connected. No one should be left behind because of stigma, silence, or systemic barriers.
Quick Facts
700,000 lives lost annually — suicide claims a life every 40 seconds worldwide, yet it is preventable.
Persons with disabilities face higher risks of depression, anxiety, and isolation due to stigma, poverty, and exclusion.
Sign languages save lives — for the Deaf community, access to education, healthcare, and public life starts with the right to communicate.
Inclusion saves lives — accessible counseling, peer support, sign language interpreters, and inclusive policies build resilience and hope.
Quote highlight:
“There is no disability inclusion without mental health inclusion. To stand for rights is to stand for well-being, dignity, and hope. Inclusion begins with communication — and sign language is a bridge to dignity.”
Dyslexia Rising Africa Conference 2025 (DRAC25)
At KISE (Kenya Institute of Special Education), our Founder & Executive Director, Ms. Hannah Njeri Maina, led key sessions on building inclusive learning environments.
Our Contributions
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Day 1: Tackled barriers in basic education for neurodiverse learners.
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Day 2: Advocated inclusive skills development in TVET institutions.
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Message: “Education justice means embracing diversity in how learners process, read, and excel.”
Media Engagements: Advocacy on Air
Our voice reaches beyond conference halls. Through radio features, PＦＥＩ engaged Kenyans nationwide on disability inclusion.
Core Advocacy Points
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Inclusion is a right, not charity – aligned with SDGs 4, 8, 10 & 16.
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Promote Kenyan Sign Language and professional interpreters.
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Expand inclusive TVET and employer readiness.
Quote highlight:
“Advocacy means action – breaking barriers so every Kenyan can learn, work, and thrive with dignity.”
NGO Week: Inclusion in National Development
At NGO Week, PＦＥＩ emphasized disability inclusion as a pillar of Kenya’s development agenda.
Highlights
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Collaboration with NGOs, policymakers, and development partners.
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Sharing lived experiences of persons with disabilities.
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Advocacy for inclusive education, livelihoods, and accessibility.
Quote highlight:
“True development is inclusive development.”
Skills Exhibition & Market Activation
Economic empowerment was at the center of this event, where PＦＥＩ showcased creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship by youth and persons with disabilities.
Impact Highlights
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Empowerment: Products and services by youth & PWDs.
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Access: Advocacy for inclusive financing and market linkages.
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Recognition: Showcasing the economic value of skills in the disability community.
Quote highlight:
“Inclusion means creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to thrive in Kenya’s economy.”