17 My Social Life with Cerebral Palsy - Page 1

Navigating Global Platforms with Assistive Technology became a defining reality when Maryanne Emomeri likely became the first person to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) on a UN panel. Her presence showed how assistive tools can open global spaces to voices that have long been overlooked, inspiring broader inclusion in decision-making arenas.

Driven by her own experience as a neurodivergent mother of two sons with autism, she transformed her pain into a purpose to advocate for systemic change.

It was a bright Nairobi morning when Isaac Kasyoka, armed with years of experience in finance and freshly updated résumés, walked into a job interview. But instead of being welcomed, he was turned away. “They thought I was drunk,” Isaac recalls. “My gait was off. I staggered a bit. But it wasn’t alcohol — it was multiple sclerosis.”

This is Sally (Salome) Njenga. She is 28 years old and lives in Kiambu County (Ruiru). Sally was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2004 and this is her story.

This is Robert Mokaya. He is 24 years old and lives in Nairobi. Robert is visually impaired, and this is his story.

This is Edwin Mulama. He is 21 years old and lives in Nairobi. Edwin is visually impaired and this is his story:

Born with cerebral palsy make it even more difficult for him to market his brand Skylla entertainment.

I woke up after the accident to find that because of one bad decision by a trailer, my life had changed and I had lost some of my friends. This is a story about my ambulance ride.

I still held on to the wild dream that one day I would be on tv and tell my story

I’ve learnt to live in a body that won’t be told what to do.

Afraid of not being accepted by a society that doesn’t place too much value on persons with disabilities.

Reasonable access to education, job opportunities, healthcare is an illusion in our country.

Forging our way in this thing called life. We seek to live a good life and we desire good things too.

The consequence of exclusion is psychological

It is important to remember that during difficult moments, our greatest resource is ourselves, and to a lesser extent those around us - not to mention the role of our maker. Be joyful always!

It's the quality of ones life that matters, not the longevity! Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there!

To my brothers and sisters with different impairments, you are not a burden. You have never been and will never be. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.