Accessibility and assistive services
Millions of Kenyans live with disabilities, and older people need support too. These services improve independence and inclusion, adding to sign language interpretation (method 428) and web accessibility audits (678).
What these methods share
- Respect: design with, not just for, people with disabilities.
- Standards: follow accessibility standards and the Persons with Disabilities Act.
- Partnerships: disability organisations and NCPWD connect you with users.
937. Mobility aid rental and repair
What it is: Renting and repairing wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and hospital beds. How it works: Stock aids → rent short-term → repair and maintain.
| Skills | Repair skills, customer care |
| Cost & equipment | Stock, tools, spare parts |
| Where to find work | Hospitals, families, older people, after surgery |
| Payment | Per day/week or repair fee |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Start with repairs and a few rental items; partner with hospitals. Pros: Real need. Cons & risks: Cleaning and sanitising required. Scam warning: Sanitise equipment between users. Kenya notes: Many families need short-term aids after surgery.
938. Building accessibility audits
What it is: Checking buildings for ramps, accessible toilets, signage and entrances, and recommending fixes. How it works: Inspect → report → advise on modifications.
| Skills | Accessibility standards, construction knowledge |
| Cost & equipment | Low: measuring tools |
| Where to find work | Developers, schools, hospitals, offices |
| Payment | Per audit |
| Realistic earnings | Medium |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Learn accessibility standards; partner with architects. Pros: Growing compliance need. Cons & risks: Requires credibility. Scam warning: Give honest reports, not box-ticking. Kenya notes: Kenyan law requires reasonable accessibility in public buildings.
939. Braille transcription and printing
What it is: Converting books, exams and documents into braille. How it works: Receive documents → transcribe → emboss and bind.
| Skills | Braille literacy |
| Cost & equipment | Braille embosser (or partnership), software |
| Where to find work | Schools for the blind, universities, government, banks |
| Payment | Per page or project |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Learn braille through institutions; partner with organisations with embossers. Pros: Specialised skill. Cons & risks: Expensive equipment. Scam warning: Check transcription accuracy carefully. Kenya notes: Schools and institutions need braille materials.
940. Assistive technology training
What it is: Teaching people to use screen readers, magnifiers and accessibility features on phones and computers. How it works: Assess needs → train one-to-one or in groups.
| Skills | Assistive tech knowledge, patience |
| Cost & equipment | Laptop, phone |
| Where to find work | Visually impaired people, schools, employers, NGOs |
| Payment | Per session or programme |
| Realistic earnings | Low to medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Learn screen readers (NVDA, TalkBack, VoiceOver); partner with disability organisations. Pros: Opens jobs and education. Cons & risks: Funding often from NGOs. Scam warning: Never charge for software that's free. Kenya notes: Free screen readers work on most phones and computers.
941. Home modifications for older people and disabilities
What it is: Installing ramps, grab bars, wider doors and accessible bathrooms. How it works: Assess home → design → build.
| Skills | Construction, accessibility knowledge |
| Cost & equipment | Tools, materials |
| Where to find work | Families, older people, hospitals' discharge teams |
| Payment | Per project |
| Realistic earnings | Medium |
| Time to first income | Weeks |
How to start: Partner with physiotherapists and hospitals. Pros: Meaningful work. Cons & risks: Every home is different. Scam warning: Quote clearly; don't oversell. Kenya notes: Ageing parents in Kenyan homes create demand.
942. Adapted transport service
What it is: Transporting wheelchair users and people with limited mobility in adapted vehicles. How it works: Booking → safe pickup → transport → assistance.
| Skills | Driving, assisting passengers |
| Cost & equipment | Adapted vehicle, licences, insurance |
| Where to find work | Hospitals, families, disability organisations |
| Payment | Per trip |
| Realistic earnings | Medium |
| Time to first income | Months |
How to start: Start with one adapted vehicle; partner with hospitals and NGOs. Pros: Underserved need. Cons & risks: Vehicle adaptation cost. Scam warning: Train drivers in safe transfers. Kenya notes: Few transport options in Kenya are wheelchair accessible.
Summary
- Accessibility services include mobility aid rental and repair, building audits, braille, assistive technology training, home modifications and adapted transport.
- Work with disability organisations and follow accessibility standards.
- Respect and dignity come first.
Check yourself
Name a free screen reader for Windows (one word)
Show answer
nvda
Which Android screen reader is built in? (one word)
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talkback
Which council supports persons with disabilities in Kenya? (acronym)
Show answer
ncpwd