By Pauline Odhiambo

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have long faced systemic marginalization, resulting in limited access to opportunities, essential resources, and leadership spaces. My journey into disability advocacy began at the age of 15 when I developed a physical disability due to sickle cell disease. This personal experience ignited my passion for championing the rights of PWDs, leading to the formation of Young Achievers with Disabilities, a movement dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people with disabilities, particularly young women.

The inception of Young Achievers with Disabilities took place on December 3, 2019, during the International Day of Persons With Disabilities in Kisumu County. Sponsored by the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) and other partners, the event provided a platform for young people with disabilities to showcase their talents through poetry, skits, and creative expression. Recognizing the power of advocacy through talent, we formally established Young Achievers with Disabilities to drive meaningful inclusion and empowerment.

Since its formation, the group has remained at the forefront of disability advocacy, leveraging creative arts to highlight critical issues affecting PWDs. Beyond talent-based advocacy, we have prioritized leadership development and economic empowerment to shatter the barriers that have long held young people with disabilities back. Our economic empowerment initiatives led to a partnership with SDI Kenya, where members cultivate and sell indigenous vegetables, creating a sustainable income stream.

Young Achievers with Disabilities is dedicated to ensuring youth with disabilities have access to leadership opportunities, economic resources, and advocacy platforms. By investing in their growth, we are fostering a generation that will not only demand inclusion but also lead the movement toward equitable opportunities.

In the early stages of our work, disability inclusion was largely symbolic rather than meaningful. However, through persistent advocacy and showcasing the impact of true inclusion, we have witnessed a shift toward intentional participation of PWDs across various sectors.

One of our biggest challenges was the high cost of hiring sign language interpreters, which limited the participation of our deaf members. To address this, we strategically recruited a team member with a physical disability who also possesses sign language interpretation skills. This solution has ensured that all members have an equal voice within our initiatives.

Through training and leadership development, Young Achievers with Disabilities has enhanced the capacity of its members, empowering them to take on leadership roles within their communities. Several members have gone on to establish their own organizations, extending the reach of our advocacy efforts.

Personally, I was honored to be nominated as part of the drafting team for the Kisumu County Youth Policy 2022. This opportunity reinforced the importance of meaningful representation and highlighted how youth with disabilities can actively shape policy and governance.

While we have made significant strides, our work is far from complete. We are currently working on publishing reports and articles that document our journey, challenges, and achievements. Through continued advocacy, economic empowerment, and leadership development, we remain committed to dismantling the barriers that hinder the full inclusion of young people with disabilities in society.

Young Achievers with Disabilities is not just a movement—it is a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and collective action. Together, we are shaping a future where every young woman and man, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to thrive.