University Computer Assistive Technology Support

Project Report | Mar 5, 2026
Accessible Tech Empowering Blind Law Students

By Linda Wairegi | Multimedia Project Manager

Beneficiaries posing with their Macbook laptops.

For blind law students, accessing legal research once meant waiting days—or even weeks—for materials to be translated into Braille.

Today, that reality is changing.

Thanks to the generous donation of twenty MacBooks from Apple, blind law students are gaining powerful digital tools that support their studies, strengthen their independence, and prepare them for careers in the legal profession.

Through practical, interactive training sessions, students have learned to use keyboard shortcuts, take notes efficiently, revise coursework, and submit assignments and exams independently. These skills are essential in legal education, where students must conduct extensive research, analyse case law, and stay up to date on new legal developments.

Before receiving the MacBooks, many students relied primarily on Braille materials. While Braille remains an important learning tool, translating large volumes of legal texts into Braille can be time-consuming and sometimes delays access to critical information.

With the MacBooks and built-in assistive technologies, students can now access reading materials immediately, take notes during lectures, and complete assignments at the same pace as their sighted peers.

Today, these devices have become an essential part of the students’ academic journeys, helping bridge the digital divide and enabling fuller participation in university life.

Elvis shared how the MacBook has supported his studies:

“Pages is easier to use and helps me take notes during class. The Safari search engine is much quicker compared to other browsers I’ve used, which helps me conduct research. There’s also the voice recording application—if you don’t want to type or you’re at a judicial attachment in court, you can record proceedings and listen to them later.”

Brenda also reflected on the encouragement she feels from those supporting the programme:

“I’d like to thank them and tell them that they’ve encouraged us as VIP students to work hard to achieve our goals and to continue supporting us.”

John shared advice for other blind law students:

“There is no two ways about it—we need to embrace technology. It is our guiding light toward a more inclusive future as visually impaired persons. Technology is where the world is heading.”

We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support this programme. Your generosity is helping empower a new generation of blind lawyers who are working toward a more inclusive legal system for people with disabilities across Kenya and Africa.

By supporting inclusive education today, you are helping shape future leaders, advocates, and change-makers who will continue advancing disability rights for years to come.

Every contribution helps open the door to opportunity.

Written by Linda Wairegi, Multimedia Project Manager

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Nov 7, 2025
Meet Brenda: Assistive Tech Fuels Legal Ambition

By Lily Ronoh-Waweru | Strategic Communications Specialist

Brenda is smiling and holding a Macbook box.

When Brenda was just two years old, she was diagnosed with glaucoma. Due to late detection, the condition led to irreversible blindness. However, her loss of sight did not define her future—it ignited a determination to challenge societal expectations and prove that visual impairment is not a barrier to success. Today, Brenda is a first-year law student at the University of Nairobi, armed with a MacBook equipped with assistive technology and the confidence to pursue her dreams.

A Strong Foundation: Education & Early Inspiration

Brenda began her academic journey at St. Lucy’s School For The Blind, where she first learned Braille and gained independence. It’s also here that she got introduced to digital skills training at the inABLE’s computer lab for the blind station within the school. Despite the societal misconceptions about people with disabilities, she was surrounded by teachers and peers who encouraged her to believe in her abilities.

“My nursery schoolteacher noticed my potential and often told me I would become a lawyer,” Brenda recalls. “At the time, I didn’t fully understand what a lawyer was, but I made a promise to myself to work hard and pursue that goal.”

Determined to prove that visually impaired students could thrive alongside sighted peers, Brenda excelled in her studies and earned a place at Moi Girls’ School Nairobi, where she sat for her high school national exams. Her hard work and resilience paid off—she scored a B+, securing her spot at the University of Nairobi to study law.

Empowered by Assistive Technology

For many visually impaired students, access to learning materials remains a challenge. In high school, Brenda relied heavily on Braille books, but not all resources were available in that format. The transition to university, where legal studies involve extensive reading and research, posed an even greater challenge. This is where assistive technology became a game-changer.

“Due to the unavailability of Braille books at the university, my digital gadgets and screen reader enable me to read, conduct research, and even take exams comfortably,” Brenda explains. “I am incredibly grateful to inABLE and other organizations that provide technological solutions for visually impaired students.”

Through inABLE’s Assistive Technology for University Students program, Brenda received digital skills training and a MacBook with built-in assistive tools. She now efficiently uses screen readers, text-to-speech software, and digital research platforms like LexisNexis to access legal materials.

“With my MacBook, I can access the university’s electronic library, join virtual classes on Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and take notes using Pages and Microsoft Word,” she says. “This has completely transformed my learning experience.”

Beyond Academics: A Vision for Inclusion

Brenda’s passion for law extends beyond her personal success—she aspires to advocate for equal rights and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. She firmly believes that technology will play a crucial role in ensuring inclusion in education, workplaces, and society at large.

“As a law student, my goal is to become a good lawyer and inspire individuals with disabilities. I want to challenge societal perceptions and prove that people with disabilities are not defined by the way others view us,” she says.

Brenda envisions a future where institutions and policymakers prioritize digital accessibility, ensuring that assistive technology is widely available at all levels of education. She hopes to see improvements in screen readers, better compatibility with digital platforms, and enhanced text recognition for complex documents.

Brenda encourages other visually impaired students to embrace technology and remain confident in their abilities.

“By embracing these tools, they can gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue any career or personal goal they aspire to.”

Brenda’s journey is a testament to the power of education, technology, and resilience. With the right tools and support, visually impaired students can break barriers, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to society. Her story highlights the importance of assistive technology programs like those offered by inABLE, ensuring that no student is left behind.

Donate today to support inABLE’s Assistive Technology for University Students.

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Jul 11, 2025
Opening Doors for Visually Impaired Law Students

By Linda Wairegi | Multimedia Project Manager

A picture of two men using a Macbook on a table.

Thanks to generous contributions, visually impaired law students from Kenya are now equipped with MacBook laptops — a critical step toward inclusive, accessible education. These devices are not just tools for learning, but powerful enablers of independence, self-confidence, and academic success, plus bridging the digital divide.

Since receiving the MacBooks, students have progressed well in their studies. They can take notes during lectures more efficiently, access learning materials independently, and better prepare for exams. The MacBook’s lightweight design and robust accessibility features — such as VoiceOver, audio recording, and customizable shortcuts — have made a real difference in how students navigate the academic environment.

Recently, we held a refresher training session to support the students in using their devices more effectively. The session covered essential applications like Pages for document writing, Safari for web browsing, and VoiceOver for screen reading. Students also interacted further with features like note creation and audio recording, which are particularly helpful when they are unable to type during class, allowing them to review the content later. These digital skills are proving to be time-saving and empowering.

As the program began, Caroline, a law student specializing in commercial law, reflected on the shift from Braille to digital tools. “In the past, students used Braille,” she shared, “but now, having access to a laptop makes it easier for us to do independent research.”

Elvis, who is pursuing human rights law, extended his appreciation to the supporters of this initiative: “The program will make life easier for VIP law students, and it should be a continuous project because of its value.”

Moses, a passionate advocate in training, highlighted a broader challenge — the digital divide. He noted, “The MacBook is undoubtedly of monumental impact, especially in a world where 90% of library resources are in print format.”

We’re also excited to introduce the next phase of this project: a mentorship program. Each student will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance and encouragement as they grow in their legal profession.

Your support is improving academic access and shaping futures. We are grateful for your partnership and commitment to making education equitable and inclusive.

We’ll leave you with a hopeful message from Brenda, one of the participating students:

“My hope for the future is that society will understand that, as VIPs, there is no difference between us and them. Thanks to developments in tech, many of us will achieve our own goals.”

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