Differently Abled African Child

15/10/2025

An overview of the Disability Act 2025 — breaking it down for an easy and concise understanding.

🇰🇪 Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025 — Key Points
1. Date & Status
• Assented to on 8 May 2025. 
• Came into force on 27 May 2025. 
• Replaces the old Persons with Disabilities Act Cap. 133 (2003). 
2. Purpose and Legal Basis
• Gives effect to Article 54 of the Constitution: equitable rights for persons with disabilities. 
• Restructures the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), enhancing its powers, independence, and oversight roles. 
3. Definitions and Interpretations
• Broader definition of disability, including physical, sensory, mental, psychological, and other impairments with long-term impact. 
• Introduces terms like “reasonable accommodation,” “assistive devices,” “universal design,” “communication” broadly defined to include many accessible formats. 
4. Non-discrimination & Equality Rights
• Guarantees equality before the law and non-discrimination in social, economic, cultural, political life. 
• Persons with disabilities have the right to legal capacity on equal basis with others. 
5. Education Provisions
• Free and compulsory basic education for every child with disability. 
• Inclusive education obligations: adapt curricula, use of assistive/alternative communication methods, adapt school environments physically. 
• Establishment of assessment centres in each county to support inclusive education and teacher training. 
6. Employment and Workplaces
• Employers (public & private) with 20+ employees must have at least 5% of jobs reserved for persons with disabilities. 
• Requirement for reasonable accommodation in workplaces: changes in environment, assistive equipment, flexible policies, etc. 
7. Accessibility & Infrastructure
• Standards for accessible physical environment (public buildings, transport, communication infrastructure). 
• Obligation for public and private institutions to implement accessibility standards. 
8. Health & Rehabilitation
• Right to the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination. 
• Free medical care and treatment in public health facilities for persons with disabilities, including assessments for registration under the Act. 
9. Incentives, Reliefs & Tax Provisions
• Tax breaks, deductions for employers who make workplaces accessible. 
• Exemptions for import duties/VAT, levies on assistive devices and related equipment. 
10. Enforcement, Accountability & Penalties
• Clear enforcement mechanisms: complaints, adjustments orders (for disability-serving changes), legal redress. 
• Discrimination is punishable; non-compliance by employers or institutions has consequences. 
11. Governance & Decentralization
• Relationship between national and county governments defined: both have roles and obligations. 
• Capacity building, funding, technical support for counties. 
12. Other Notable Provisions
• Recognizes psychological impairments and mental health conditions in definitions. 
• Assistive allowance for costs like transport, communication, etc. 

14/10/2025

🌍 Global Statistics
• Around 1 in 127 people worldwide was estimated to be autistic in 2021.
• Global prevalence is about 0.79% (788 per 100,000 people), with higher rates in males (~1065 per 100,000) than females (~508 per 100,000).
• About 61.8 million people globally are on the autism spectrum.
• The burden of ASD is significant — approximately 11.5 million global DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) were attributable to autism in 2021.

🇰🇪 Kenya & Region-Specific Data
• Some estimates suggest that autism may affect up to 4% of Kenya’s population — roughly 1 child in every 25.
• A study of Kenyan adolescents and young adults (15–25 years) found:
• 0.63% had “high autistic traits” (H-AUT) across all participants.
• Among those in the community (not just schools/universities), the rate was slightly higher at 0.98%.

⚠️ Some Caveats & Insights
• Prevalence rates vary depending on diagnostic tools, cultural awareness, and access to services.
• Many low- and middle-income countries still lack reliable data.
• Globally, males are diagnosed more often than females.

📢 These numbers cannot be ignored.
This is why Differently Abled African Child (DAAC) exists — to raise awareness, empower families, and create inclusive communities where every child matters. 💙

14/10/2025

🧠 What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, behaves, and learns.
Autism is not a disease — it’s a different way of experiencing the world 🌍.

✅ Facts You Should Know:
• Autism can be identified early — and early support makes a big difference.
• Every autistic child is unique.
• Autism affects children across all backgrounds.
• Autism is not caused by poor parenting or vaccines.

❌ Myths to Break:
• “Autistic people can’t communicate.” ➝ Many do, in their own ways.
• “Autism can be cured.” ➝ It’s not a disease.
• “They can’t live normal lives.” ➝ Many thrive at school, work, and in families.

🌱 Best Ways to Support Autistic Children:
• Identify and support early.
• Embrace inclusive education.
• Empower families and communities.
• Respect and celebrate abilities, not disabilities.
• Create sensory-friendly environments.
• Work together — professionals, caregivers & society.

🌍 Promoting understanding and inclusion supports the Sustainable Development Goals — especially:
SDG 3 (Health)
SDG 4 (Education)
SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

✨ Autism is not a limitation — it’s a different way of seeing the world.
Let’s build a future where every child is valued and included 💙



Warm regards,
Samson Kiiru
CEO
Differently Abled African Child (DAAC)

14/10/2025

🌍✨ Welcome to Differently Abled African Child (DAAC) ✨🌍

At DAAC, we believe that every child deserves to thrive, regardless of ability. We are a passionate movement committed to promoting inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for children with disabilities across Africa.

💡 Our Vision:
To build an inclusive Africa where differently abled children live with dignity, have access to quality education, health care, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

🤝 Our Mission:
To advocate, raise awareness, and empower communities and families through inclusive programs that remove barriers and create pathways for equal participation.

🌱 Our Commitment to the SDGs:
Our work aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially:
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 🏥
• SDG 4: Quality Education 📚
• SDG 5: Gender Equality ⚖️
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities 🌐
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals 🤝

Together, we are breaking barriers, transforming perceptions, and creating a future where no child is left behind.

📢 Follow us, support our initiatives, and be part of this movement for inclusion, equality, and sustainable impact.

14/04/2025

April: Autism Awareness Month.
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

April is globally recognized as Autism Awareness Month—a time to shed light on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, learn, and interact. At Differently Abled African Child (DAAC), we stand with the global community in amplifying voices, fostering understanding, and promoting acceptance for children living with Autism and other learning disabilities.

This month, we reaffirm our commitment to education, empowerment, and transformation—for the children we serve and the caregivers who walk the journey with them.

Special Needs vs. Disability: Knowing the Difference.

While the terms “special needs” and “disability” are often used interchangeably, there’s a meaningful difference between the two. A disability is a condition—physical, cognitive, or emotional—that limits a person’s ability to perform certain tasks or engage in typical activities. Special needs, however, is a broader term that encompasses a wide range of challenges, including medical, developmental, behavioral, or learning needs that require tailored support.

Understanding this distinction helps in building better-informed, inclusive, and compassionate support systems for children and families alike.

Autism: A Neurodevelopmental Condition.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that typically emerges in early childhood. It affects brain development, influencing how a child perceives the world and engages with others. Common signs and symptoms include:

- Delayed language and communication skills
- Difficulty with social interaction
- Repetitive behaviors or routines
- Unusual responses to sensory input
- Strong attachment to specific interests

While Autism presents certain challenges, it also comes with unique strengths. With the right support, individuals with Autism can thrive, learn, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Supporting Families and Caregivers: The Unsung Heroes.

Behind every child with Autism is a network of parents, siblings, and caregivers navigating a demanding and deeply emotional journey. At DAAC, we recognize caregivers not just as helpers but as vital partners in the child’s development. We offer training programs, mental wellness support, and economic empowerment initiatives that uplift entire families.

As Scripture encourages in Galatians 6:2:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

When caregivers are empowered, children flourish. Strong families build strong futures.

DAAC: Transforming Lives, Shaping Destinies.

Our vision at Differently Abled African Child (DAAC) is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of ability, is created with divine purpose. As God reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Our key pillars include:

1. Transforming Lives: Through inclusive education, therapeutic interventions, and personalized care, we nurture the potential of children with Autism and other learning challenges.

2. Vocational Training for Independence: We prepare our learners for adult life through practical, hands-on training that builds skills for economic independence.

3. Seed Capital for Graduates: Upon graduation, we provide small business seed capital to equip our learners with the means to launch entrepreneurial ventures and become contributors in society.

4. Caregiver Training and Empowerment: We train, mentor, and financially empower caregivers, enabling them to support their children while also improving their household livelihoods.

A Call to Action: Shine a Light on Autism.

This April, join DAAC in raising awareness and creating inclusive communities. Wear blue. Share a story. Support a caregiver. Sponsor a child’s journey. Together, we can replace stigma with support and despair with dignity.

>“Light dispels darkness. Don’t hide your light; let it shine and bring hope to the world.”
Matthew 5:16

Partner with Differently Abled African Child (DAAC)
Together, we can break the silence, end the stigma, and build a continent where every differently abled child has the opportunity to shine—one life, one family, one destiny at a time.

29/04/2024

02/04/2024

Moving from Surviving to Thriving:
This special day aims to spread awareness about autism as a disorder and to support those who are suffering from it. It is a global healthcare event that focuses on acceptance, support, and inclusion of autistic people and advocacy of their rights.

26/03/2024

World Autism Acceptance Week is always planned around World Autism Acceptance Day, which is on 2nd April. The theme for World Autism Acceptance Week 2024 is colour, so make sure that you wear as much colour as you can!

"Autism is not a disease. Don't try to cure us. Try to understand us." - Brian R. King

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is estimated that 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism, making it one of the most prevalent developmental disorders. Although there is still much to learn about autism, we can gain insight and inspiration from the words of those who have experienced it firsthand.

"Autism is not a processing error. It's a different operating system." - Sarah Hendrickx
"Autism is not a tragedy. Ignorance is a tragedy." - Kim Stagliano
"Autism is not a disability, it's a different ability." - Stuart Duncan
"Autism is not a curse; it's a different way of thinking and feeling." - Kerry Magro
"Autism doesn't come with an instruction guide. It comes with a family who will never give up." - Kerry Magro

27/02/2024

What happens on Sunday is important.
What happens on Monday is even more important.

31/01/2024

The WHO estimates that one in every 59 children is born with a developmental disability i.e, Autism, Celebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Epilepsy and Intellectual disabilities

31/01/2024

Stakeholders meeting for the Launch of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) & Related Developmental Disabilities Monograph Report at KISE

01/01/2024