El-View Centre in Uasin Gishu County was started in 2011 at Pioneer Estate, a few kilometres from Eldoret Town.
Here, physically and mentally challenged students undergo training and thereafter integrated with other students after finishing their course.
The school with a population of 30 students handles students with cases such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.
Speaking from her office on Thursday, the school’s director Rena Oyugi said what propelled her to start the school was the fact that physically and mentally challenged children were slow learners and did not keep up with the others. This made her separate them so they could get the special attention they needed.
“In the special unit, students undergo training such as number work, language, creative, environment, colouring and music among others. After that we examine them with the other students where some can even score 350-400 marks. After that, we integrate them with their counterparts and during games,” she said.
She said some challenges come with parents to the special needs children wanting to see instantaneous change. Oyugi added that the change is, and needs, to be gradual.
She added that other challenges include parents giving first priority to other children especially on fee payment and that special schools are costly which many parents cannot afford. Some students are also brought in when their conditions are severe which makes it hard for the school to deal with them.
“Children with specials needs are just children like the others. They need proper education, to socialise with others and have a right to clean environment. Parents still locking up their children in houses should stop that since at one time they will need to be independent,” she said.
She urged parents to show them love, care and take them to physiotherapy which is usually done in hospitals. Parents should also avail themselves for guidance and counselling sessions to help them cope.