Yei Group Warns of Rising Stigma Against Disabled People

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The chairperson of the Disability Action Group (DAG) in Yei River County says lack of support, limited services and stigma against people with visual and physical disabilities remain some of the biggest challenges facing the community.

DAG chairperson Dickson Duku said more than 400 registered members with different types of disabilities in the county struggle to access essential support, including walking sticks, wheelchairs and sign language translators. He noted that this makes it difficult for members to access health services, education, public offices, information and community events.

“Our members lack sign language translators and teaching aids, especially in health centres and public offices.”

He explained that persons with disabilities also face barriers in accessing public facilities, including schools, churches, hospitals, offices and even latrines.

“Most of these facilities only serve people without disabilities. The needs of people with disabilities are often neglected because no one considers our special requirements.”

According to Duku, the group has no permanent office to coordinate its work and advocate for the rights of members. He said they have written to the local government in Yei requesting office space, but they are yet to receive a response.

He also raised concerns about negative attitudes in both the community and families, which he said continue to stigmatise persons with disabilities.

“Just last week, my office received two reports from members who were denied access to education and abused because of their disabilities,” he reported.

Duku is appealing to local authorities, development partners and international non governmental organisations to support the group with basic devices such as walking sticks and wheelchairs, and to provide civic education and awareness programmes that address stigma and discrimination.

“People with disabilities are not well treated in their homes. There is a high level of stigma, and this requires collective efforts to resolve,” he stressed.

He further called for more training, empowerment initiatives, and community awareness campaigns, along with the enactment of local protection policies that ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in public spaces.

Support Needs of DAG Members