Sande O. Erick

Stuttering & Disability Inclusion Champion | Professional Fellows Program (PFP) Fellow | Bridge CRPD_SDGs Fellow | A Person with a Stutter

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

Beryl's* (not her real name) court case has been postponed several times because the court is unable to provide her with a sign language interpreter. For her, this is not only frustrating but it is also a violation of her rights.

Last week in Kisumu, the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), together with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), held a series of engagements focused on improving access to justice for persons with disabilities and promoting the rights of women and girls with disabilities.

On the first day, representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), women's rights groups, and community leaders came together to discuss issues on:

1. Promoting the rights of persons with disabilities

2. Improving access to justice

3. Addressing harmful attitudes and misconceptions about disability and gender

4. Strengthening cooperation among community organizations

On the second day, representatives from the justice sector and OPDs met to review and discuss the Draft Country Guide on Combating Disability and Gender Stereotypes.

Participants shared their personal experiences, highlighting the many barriers that persons with disabilities still face, like Beryl when seeking justice. These include inaccessible buildings, negative attitudes, communication barriers, and procedures that do not adequately accommodate their needs.

The discussions emphasized the importance of involving persons with disabilities in decisions, laws, and justice processes that affect their lives. They also highlighted the need for closer cooperation between justice institutions and OPDs to help ensure equal access to justice for everyone.

#AccessToJustice #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #WomenWithDisabilities #LeaveNoOneBehind #UDPKenya

@ICJ_org @NderituMash

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

We are fully represented at the thirteenth session of the #WorldUrbanForum.

The session's theme is "Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities," and our role is clear; to champion for inclusive and accessible housing for persons with disabilities.

Join us virtually for the "Beyond Accessibility: Realizing the Right to Adequate Housing for All," roundtable where our disability inclusion advisor, Sandra Odhiambo will be speaking tomorrow, 20th May.

Learn more about the session and watch live using the following link; https://t.co/fhXDnCU7fF #WUF #InclusiveHousing #AccessibleHousing

@UNHABITAT @WUF_UNHabitat @IDA_CRPD_Forum @ADFSecretariat

[Sande O. Erick @SandeOErick]

Delighted to be party of OPD delegation at the 87th Ordinary Session; reviewing Kenya under the African Charter and Maputo Protocol in Gambia. Grateful to @UDPKenya, @ICJ_Africa and @ADFSecretariat for the opportunity to advocate for disability inclusion and justice #ACHPR87OS

[African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights @achpr_cadhp]

We have come to the end of Day 8 of #ACHPR87OS!

Thank you to all our distinguished stakeholders who participated today. We look forward to your continued engagement tomorrow.

#HumanRightsinAfrica #ACHPR40

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

During the #DisabilityDialogue gala dinner, we had the opportunity to celebrate our very own award winners.

Out of the five award presented, one was awarded to a young person with disability and the other was awarded to a caregiver

Marcus Malingi, the young person clinched the Emerging Changemaker Award. Marcus, a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, has been on the frontline in bringing students with disabilities in the different counties together to have a collective voice.

Judith Ochoma, a caregiver to an adult with a disability took home the Outstanding Care Partner Award.

The other awards, the Disability Leadership Excellence Award, the Media and Storytelling for inclusion Award and the Outstanding County Inclusion Award were awarded to different partners. #SupportingOurOwn

[Sande O. Erick @SandeOErick]

Ikonge, Nyamira has been a great host.

[Sande O. Erick @SandeOErick]

@MissNasike Happiest birthday Claire

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

The United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), through the #WeCanWork Project, is inviting qualified #consultants and firms to express interest in producing Kenya Sign Language (KSL) videos with transcriptions of key disability policy and legal documents. The assignment focuses on improving access to information for the Deaf and strengthening inclusive participation in disability rights and development processes.

The consultancy will involve translating and interpreting the Africa Disability Protocol, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, the Persons with Disabilities National Policy, and selected national and county-level programs into high-quality, accessible KSL video content. Deliverables include professionally produced videos, synchronized captions, editable files for future use, and a plain-language user guide.

The assignment will run for four weeks, under the supervision of the UDPK Programs Team. Consultants with experience in sign language interpretation, accessible communication, disability rights, and inclusive video production are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to submit applications.

Deadline for submission: Friday, 19 December 2025 at 5:00 PM
Application subject: Application for Sign Language Interpretation of Key Policy Documents on Disability Inclusion

Scan the QR code on the poster or click the following link https://t.co/dl22o2dnkI for more information.

This initiative is part of UDPK’s ongoing commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and equal access to information for persons with disabilities in Kenya.

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

Sixty-two years ago, Kenya chose self-rule. Since then, we have grown through generations shaped by hope, resistance, reform, and renewal. Each year adds another layer to our national story, written by the citizens who continue to push the country forward.

At 62, we celebrate the freedoms gained while acknowledging the responsibilities that come with them. A republic is not sustained by history alone, but by daily choices to uphold dignity, justice, and inclusion for all.

Happy 62nd #JamhuriDay!

[Sande O. Erick @SandeOErick]

Happy Jamhuri Day 2025

[International Disability Alliance (IDA) @IDA_CRPD_Forum]

This #HumanRightsDay, IDA stresses that disability rights are everyday essentials.

From health care to education and employment, these rights open real opportunities for 1.3B persons with disabilities.

OPDs are leading the way forward.
#DisabilityInclusion #OPDs @UN_GDF @GDS_Disability @UN

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

As we mark the Human Rights Day, we acknowledge that the rights of persons with disabilities are not a separate or an optional category. They are part of the full set of rights that every human being is entitled to. A person does not need a special status to deserve dignity, safety, access, opportunity, and equality. #HumanRightsDay2025 #HumanRightsDay

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

We owned the Streets of Nairobi during the #InternationalDayOfPersons with Disabilities. Taking disability inclusion to the streets, most of our audience were ready to learn the different aspects of inclusion.

It was also a day to witness the young advocates and influencers in action. They all did a great job, encouraging their fellows to participate and speak about their disabilities and what they do.

Some people confessed that despite them wanting to include persons with disabilities, they knew nothing about them or how to include them. And this affirmed the importance of the street awareness and the social behavioural change communications.

We encouraged these young leaders to take similar awareness sessions back to their communities, widening the reach of disability inclusion and strengthening the movement across Kenya. #IDPD #IDPD2025

@047County @ADFSecretariat @LftWKE @MastercardFdn @SallyNduta1

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

During National Commemoration of the #DisabilityDay, @UDPKenya Board Chairperson @eric_ngondi delivered remarks calling National ,and county Governments, @TurkanaCountyKE, @GarissaGov , @DRSKenya ,@LabourSPKE ,UNHCR @Refugees and other development partners to ensure that implementation of SHIRIKA PLAN is fully inclusive of refugees with disabilities,

He further urged stakeholders to improve access to essential services for persons with disabilities ,including for refugees with disabilities, including their registration by @Ncpwds, documentation, and recognition.

The Chairperson also called on organizations of persons with disabilities #OPDs to adopt an inclusive lens in their programming and ensure that refugees with disabilities are meaningfully included in their leadership, activities and interventions.

Finally, he emphasized the need for the full implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, including expanded access to livelihood opportunities and resources to advance the realization of a truly inclusive society.

#Refugees
@KNBStats @Refugees @IRAP @KHRC @RCKKenya @HakiKNCHR @NGECKenya @RefugeesMedia @InteriorKE @DRSKenya @GarissaGov @InteriorKE @Ncpwds @TurkanaCountyKE @UDPKenya @RCKKenya @Ncpwds @LabourSPKE @NAssemblyKE

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

For years, our conversations about disability inclusion stayed within familiar circles. This time, we chose a different path. We stepped out into the heart of the city, at Aga Khan Walk and aboard everyday matatus to spark real conversations with the community during the #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities.

We invited commuters and passersby into our world through storytelling, quick quizzes, #PlayTheFullDeck and open, honest dialogue.

One of the highlights was our reception at Enable Matatu Sacco, where crews welcomed us on board and gave us space to demonstrate the barriers many persons with disabilities face while simply trying to move from one place to another.

It was a moment of shared understanding, a reminder that inclusion grows when we meet people where they are. This effort was driven by disability influencers within the Social Behavioural Change Communications (SBCC) unit and advocates under the #WeCanWork program.

Change happens when we move beyond our comfort zones, show up, listen and choose to act. #IDPD

@047County @ADFSecretariat @LftWKE @MastercardFdn

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

During the #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities #IDPD Nairobi County celebrations, @SallyNduta1's speech focused on two key areas: the Disability Act and the GDS commitment.

She highlighted that this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities coincides with the passing of two significant legislative instruments: the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025 and the Disability Policy 2025.

Sally took the celebrants through key provisions of the Act, emphasizing Section 5, which obligates county governments to implement national policies that protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. She stressed that counties must develop their own Disability Acts, rather than simply copying the national Disability Act 2025, to effectively address local needs.

On the #GDSSummit:
She called on OPDs to push the government to fulfill its GDS commitments. She emphasized the importance of #OPDs actively engaging in and monitoring progress on inclusive health, employment, and financing. #IDPD2025

@047County

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

"There is no progress without inclusion."

As the world prepares to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, tune in as our Disability Inclusion Advisor Sandra Odhiambo (@Sandra_Nyawira1) joins fellow advocates on @KTNNewsKE to explore this year’s theme: Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
Join the discussion today (2nd Dec) from 11.00 a.m.
#InternationalDayForPersonsWithDisabilities #IDPD #IDPD25
@SallyNduta1

[Sande O. Erick @SandeOErick]

I moderated the first #IntergenerationalDialogue of its kind on #DisabilityMovementKE hosted by @UDPKenya in partnership with @LftWKE

[UDPK @UDPKenya]

For decades, disability pioneers fought for the rights we exercise today. But there's a gap, a missing conversation between the older generation who built the foundation and the younger leaders driving innovation.

The #IntergenerationalDialogue currently happening seeks to foster unity and shared vision of the #DisabilityMovementKE.

@LftWKE @ADFSecretariat @Kwwdnetwork

[AbleRise Africa @AbleRise]

People born with celebral palsy aren't beggars - Nguvu Change leader.
https://t.co/vEsfCIUkEl

[NTV Kenya @ntvkenya]

Tech Gives Voices Wings

People living with speech impairments have found relief through an initiative aimed at advancing inclusive technology in Kenya and across the entire African continent.

#NTVWeekendEdition @zeynabIsmail