Reuniting Families Impacted by Disability: Esther’s Story
by Lauren Blair
Posted on January 14, 2025
Beliefs, Child, disability, education, Health, International, marginalized, stigma, vulnerable
Worldwide, children like Esther face stigma regarding their disabilities, which not only affects them as individuals but affects the very makeup of their families. For parents of children with disabilities, factors such as increased stress, added costs, and frequent social isolation contribute to higher rates of divorce. According to studies, this rate may even be as high as 87%, leading to 60% of children with disabilities being left in the care of single mothers. For Esther, these disability dynamics were a familiar part of life, resulting in both a fragmented experience of family life and a decrease in fulfillment.
Esther’s Beginning
Shortly after Esther was born, she developed jaundice, a liver condition that affected her brain and resulted in cerebral palsy. This also affected her speaking ability, cognition, and motor skills. The most challenging aspect of her disability, however, was the views of those in her community who believed disabilities were a curse. This perception not only caused her extended family and community to reject her but her father to divorce her mother and abandon them both.
A New Hope
Fortunately, one of Esther’s neighbors referred them to Kupenda, whose Kenyan staff assisted her in receiving food support, applying for benefits, and enrolling in a school that could support her needs.
With these supports, Esther not only began to receive an education but she learned sign language to communicate and experienced the joy of making friends. She also developed a love for athletics–even competing at the national level! According to her mother,
“[Esther] is now able to express herself, help other children, and is independent in daily life skills.”
In addition, Esther participates in a Kupenda-supported running club where she regularly interacts with children with and without disabilities. In her spare time, she also enjoys listening to Bible stories and dancing to gospel songs.
Family Reunion
Today, Kupenda staff continue to counsel Esther’s family about the medical causes of disability, what appropriate intervention looks like, and the value of people with disabilities. They also conduct Disability Advocacy Trainings in her community, which help to reduce stigma surrounding disability. As a result, Esther is now beginning to experience the loving inclusion she always longed for.
One of the greatest benefits, however, has been the change in her father’s perspective. As he learned more about her disability, he was compelled to become more involved in family life. Now he not only helps provide for her education fees, but he regularly interacts with her. He often refers to her with special favor, calling her his “best friend.”
The ripple effects of Esther’s success are also reaching out into her community. Her mother stated,
“[Esther] has shown a good example to other children and community that disability is not inability.”
Would you consider supporting a child to receive loving inclusion like Esther? It not only changes children’s lives but positively impacts families for years to come!
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