Computer Labs for the Blind and Visually Impaired

InABLE celebrated the opening of yet another computer-learning-lab at St. Lucy’s Primary School for the Blind, located in the Igoji Parish in Meru County, Kenya. St. Lucy’s was established in 1958 and currently has a population of 315 students, 33 teaching staff, and 38 non-teaching support staff. The official opening of this newest inABLE sponsored computer-lab-for-the-blind was held on October 1st with a very colorful ceremony, officiated by the school head teacher Sister Judith. The guest of honors were DEO (District Education Office) Mr. David Ntwala, AEO (Area Education Office) MS. Agnes Mbutia, FR. Virginio Kirimi, BOG(Board of Governor) Representative MR. Timothy Kiragu, teachers, students and support staff.

After fine-tuning the computer-learning program at Thika Primary School for the Blind and then opening a second program at the Thika High School for the Blind, inAble—with the support of generous corporate and private benefactors—has installed 35 computers and Internet to expand the program to St. Lucy students. Additionally, inABLE will be facilitating school-wide training.

The school’s Scout team accompanied Father Kirimi as he blessed the lab. Enthusiasm was abundant as students and visitors took in the new computer learning space and digital technology. Everyone has very high hopes on how this new technology center will improve students' access to relevant learning materials and better prepare them with necessary computer literacy skills. 

Computer technology is a very important tool for all learners, especially visually impaired learners who can use assistive technology to access information, reducing the need to purchase expensive and bulky Braille lesson books. Every day inABLE computer lab students demonstrate remarkable computer aptitude that can help them learn at their own pace today and better prepare them for life after school.

Links:

• New Computer Lab at St. Lucy's Primary School for The Blind