Overcoming Stigma and Poverty: Empowering a Couple with Disabilities in Kisumu County

In the heart of Kisumu County, there lives a couple who have faced unimaginable challenges due to disabilities, poverty, and societal stigma. Their story is one of resilience, love, and hope, showing how support from the community and organizations like the Disability Rights & Empowerment Trust (DRET) can change lives for the better.

A Life Marked by Disability and Stigma

Born healthy, the wife of the couple suffered from polio at an early age, which left her paralyzed. She was unable to attend school or receive any training that could have helped her live more independently. She spent most of her childhood and young adult life crawling on her knees and hands.

At 17, she was married to a man who also had a disability. The family hoped that the two of them would be able to live a happy life despite their challenges. However, the couple faced immense difficulties, relying on relatives and well-wishers to support them. Their son attended primary school but could not continue due to a lack of school fees. He eventually moved to Nairobi in search of work, but the family had not heard from him in a long time, adding to their distress.

To make matters worse, the husband developed a growth in his nose, which doctors suspected could be cancerous. However, due to their financial struggles, the family could not afford the necessary medical investigations or treatment. The community, too, added to their misery, referring to their home as “The Home of Cripples,” which only worsened their emotional and psychological burden.

DRET Steps In

The couple’s situation was brought to DRET’s attention by a concerned friend of the organization, and immediate action was taken. DRET visited their home and provided essential support, including a wheelchair for the wife, food, and self-care materials to improve their daily lives.

DRET also facilitated some of the husband's medical treatment, ensuring he received the care he needed. Recognizing the need for further support, the organization connected the family with the County Assembly Representative for additional financial and in-kind assistance.

Addressing Stigma and Building Support

The stigma the couple faced in their community was a major obstacle to their well-being. DRET did not only offer physical support but also took action to address this issue. The organization visited the office of local administration to raise awareness about the harmful stigma that targeted the couple. Additionally, DRET followed up on the situation and handed the matter over to a local organization for continued support.

A New Chapter of Hope

Thanks to the intervention of DRET, the couple’s life has started to change. They now have access to medical care, improved mobility, and the emotional support they desperately needed. The couple is no longer isolated in their struggle. They are slowly but surely rebuilding their lives with the help of the community and organizations committed to advocating for persons with disabilities.

This case highlights the importance of community support, the role of local organizations in fighting stigma, and how we can all contribute to empowering persons with disabilities to live a dignified life.

Your Role in Creating Change

This couple’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we stand together to support the most vulnerable members of our society. By supporting DRET’s programs, you can help provide life-changing services to families like this one. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness, every bit of support counts.

Let’s work together to make sure that no one is left behind. Join us in advocating for persons with disabilities and help us eliminate the stigma and barriers that prevent them from living fulfilling lives.