Giving Persons with Disabilities Control Over Their Reproductive Health
Access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, is often out of reach for persons with disabilities. Physical and communication barriers, a lack of disability-friendly services, stigma, and even negative attitudes from healthcare providers all contribute to this challenge. Without the right information and support, many individuals end up making uninformed decisions that can lead to higher rates of maternal, newborn, and child mortality—as well as fuel cycles of poverty and poor educational outcomes.
This story centers on Emily Busienei, a mother whose life took an unexpected turn when she gave birth to twins. Initially overjoyed by the arrival of her daughters, Emily soon began to notice that both girls were facing challenges with speech and hearing. After a visit to the local health facility, a doctor confirmed her worst fears: her daughters were deaf. Although the news was heartbreaking, over time, Emily came to accept this new reality.
As the twins grew, tragedy struck when one of them fell ill and passed away, leaving Emily to raise the surviving daughter alongside her other eight siblings. Life became even more challenging as Emily struggled to communicate with her deaf child and find suitable educational opportunities—there were no special needs schools nearby, so her daughter spent her days at home, helping with chores.
When her daughter reached her teenage years, Emily was shocked to learn that she had become pregnant. Although she delivered safely, it wasn’t long before another pregnancy followed, and then a third. With limited resources and a humble background, raising multiple children became overwhelming. Deeply concerned, Emily sought advice from a Community Health Volunteer, who recommended a visit to the nearby Ol Mekenyu Health Center in Narok County.
“At first, I was really worried. My daughter was getting pregnant at very close intervals, and I didn’t know what to do,” Emily recalls. “The volunteer advised us to visit the hospital, and there we learned about family planning. I explained our struggles to her, and I convinced my daughter to try the method. She accepted it, and now I feel at peace. We’re focused on raising my three grandchildren without the constant worry of another pregnancy.”
Emily’s story is a powerful reminder of how access to accurate information and compassionate healthcare can transform lives. DESIP is committed to increasing access to family planning, with a special focus on persons with disabilities. The program has also developed information, educational, and communication (IEC) materials—including resources in Kenya Sign Language—to support both healthcare providers and persons with disabilities.
