stigma

A selfie taken of about 15 individuals

“The Deepest Darkest Magic We Have”: A Conversation On Disability, Employment and Expectations

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on May 4, 2022

Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing disability justice advocate and Kupenda Board member, Jeff Gentry. For the past 15 years, Jeff has committed his life and career to increasing workforce engagement for people with disabilities. As part of this work, Jeff and his colleagues have equipped over 1,000 youth and adults with disabilities…



A woman smiling and pushing a young boy in a wheelchair.

“She helps with her spirit, even before her hands”: Thanks to Hawa, our Occupational Therapist

by Kupenda

  • Posted on May 3, 2022

Four years ago a generous philanthropist named Maurizio Beghelli noticed that many of the children in our programs were in need of occupational therapy. Although some children were receiving these services at Gede Special School (GSS), there were many children waiting for care. Their parents and caregivers were also eager to be trained on how…



Adult with 2 children

Meet Our Moms and Honor Yours for Mother’s Day!

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on April 28, 2022

In Kenya, mothers of children with disabilities often face the same, or worse stigma, as their children. Most are told the child’s disability is their fault. They are accused of infidelity, witchcraft, demon possession, sin, and more. Their husbands often feel too ashamed to remain in the marriage and abandon them – leaving them with…



Cindy presenting

Kupenda in the Classroom

by Lauren Blair

  • Posted on April 27, 2022

When I was in my early 20s, a presentation by Kupenda’s founder and Executive Director, Cynthia Bauer, changed the trajectory of my life. My close friend (and now husband), Pat, heard Cynthia give a speech about the organization’s work. Hearing her discuss how helping a handful of children with disabilities had turned into an organization…



Ukraine 1

The War in Ukraine Sheds Light on Global Disability Stigma

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on April 15, 2022

There are 2.7 million people with disabilities in Ukraine. These people represent the group most significantly impacted by the war with Russia. Among the greatest risks for Ukrainians with disabilities are: Lack of timely information about the conflict in accessible formats; Lack of safe centers, bomb shelters and evacuation pathways; and Lack of access to…



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