Mountains of the Moon University on 16th December 2024 commemorated the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with a theme “Transforming Futures with inclusive innovation”.
The Guest speaker Ms. Fiona Becker Legge, the CEO Kyaninga Child Development Center said the future of innovation lies in diversity noting that each one of us including PWDs has the ability to contribute to the future.
She accredited the Leadership of MMU for organizing such a function that was aimed at bringing together PWDs and giving them a platform to express their concerns.
“I extend my gratitude to MMU Top University Management for considering persons with disabilities in the academia, this is a sign of inclusivity,” she noted that Universities are spaces for intellectual growth and innovation, and inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to education. She added that ssupporting PWDs helps dismantle systemic barriers, fostering a fair and inclusive environment where diverse talents can thrive.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVC AA) Prof. John. M Kasenene said the Management of MMU is willing and ready to give special care and inclusion in all activities to PWDs.
He emphasized the aspect of community engagement as MMU’s focus areas stressing that this also encompasses PWDs.
“We acknowledge the fact that PWDs have the potential to do that which other people can do and we are ready to support them in all aspects, we encourage students to always air out their concerns through the relevant departments such that Top management can address them,” he said.
Hon. Paul Katiisa a councilor emeritus for Kabarole District asked the University Leadership to address some of the most challenging issues for PWDs like providing reasonable accommodation for PWDs like lecture rooms, Washrooms and Boardrooms, providing assistive technologies to students with Disabilities to help them learn and to also desist from using derogative languages to Persons with Disabilities.
It should be noted that the International Day for People with Disabilities-PWDs was promoted by United Nations since 1992 and is celebrated on every 3 December every year aiming at promoting rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in all spheres of social economic of the society.
(By Dorcus Murungi & Phillip Tumwebaze)