University Computer Assistive Technology Support

Project Report | Mar 14, 2025
A Level Playing Field: MacBooks For Law Students

By Lily Ronoh-Waweru | Strategic Communications Specialist

An image of a John talking with an instructor.

For visually impaired law students, the path to success often involves navigating unique challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing essential resources. However, with advancements in assistive technology, these students are bridging the digital divide and overcoming barriers in their educational journey.

Through the provision of accessible MacBooks equipped with assistive features, a selected group of law students with visual impairment are now empowered to learn, research, and engage independently in their studies. Here, they share how this technology is transforming their experiences and helping them build promising careers in law.

Marvin: Simplifying Studies with Assistive Technology

Marvin, a 19-year-old first-year law student, quickly realized the impact of having accessible technology for his studies. “With Pages, I can type my notes directly and submit them to my lecturers,” he shares. Marvin, who had previously recorded classes on his phone, now uses his MacBook’s voiceover feature for independence and privacy, especially during exams. “I no longer need assistance from sighted friends. It’s empowering to have control over my studies.”

John: Bridging the Accessibility Gap in Legal Studies

John, a 21-year-old final-year law student, highlights the scarcity of accessible study materials for visually impaired students. “Technology like this MacBook closes the gap,” he explains. Features like Voiceover and Siri allow him to take notes efficiently and engage with online resources critical to his studies. “I can now attend online conferences and access legal materials that weren’t accessible before,” John says, recognizing the transformative power of assistive technology.

Brenda: Unlocking Research Potential in Law School

For Brenda, a first-year law student at the University of Nairobi, the MacBook’s tools have redefined her study routine. “Pages and Voiceover help me navigate my assignments and research,” Brenda explains. Limited access to Braille materials had made her studies challenging, but the laptop now provides her with a straightforward way to manage her workload. “With this technology, I’m able to keep up with my peers despite the lack of hardcopy Braille texts.”

Elvis: Overcoming Academic Challenges with Assistive Technology

Elvis, a 21-year-old second-year law student, has faced various obstacles in accessing study resources. Previously, he recorded lectures on his phone, which had limited capacity. “Now, with Pages, I can take notes more efficiently, and Safari speeds up my research,” he explains. Elvis sees the laptop as a bridge to his dream of specializing in human rights law, stating, “This technology is crucial for my career. I can participate fully in class and conduct extensive legal research.”

Nahashon: Aiding Future Career Goals with Technology

Nahashon, a 28-year-old third-year law student, aims to join the judiciary or an international organization. The MacBook’s recording feature is essential for him, allowing him to record lectures and listen back when needed. “The accessibility features help me manage study materials efficiently and stay organized,” he says. Nahashon believes this technology enables visually impaired students to reach their full potential in both academic and professional spaces, saying, “It’s a game-changer for inclusivity in legal education.”

Philip: Building a Foundation for a Future in Law and Technology

Philip, a 20-year-old first-year law student at the University of Nairobi, has found that his new MacBook is essential for navigating the demands of legal studies. By using assistive features like Pages and Voiceover, Philip can efficiently complete assignments, conduct research, and manage data independently. Previously, he faced difficulties completing tasks with limited tech resources, but now he feels equipped to keep up with his peers and fully engage in his studies. “This technology makes learning easier,” he says, emphasizing the positive impact it has on his future ambitions in law and technology.

The journeys of Marvin, John Moses, Brenda, Elvis, Philip, and Nahashon underscore the transformative impact of assistive technology on visually impaired students. Through the support of inABLE and generous donors, these students are breaking down educational barriers, embracing technology, and building the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen careers. With initiatives like these, the digital divide for visually impaired students is narrowing, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

An image of Elvis, seated and using a Macbook.

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Nov 15, 2024
Empowering Visually Impaired Law Students

By Alex Njue and Lily Ronoh-Waweru | Computer Instructor & Strategic Communication

A blind law student using a Macbook laptop.

inABLE collaborated with Kenyatta University to conduct an intensive three-week assistive technology training for visually impaired law students. This program, now in its second cohort, aims to equip students with essential computer skills to enhance their independence and academic success.

With access to MacBook laptops, students are overcoming the limitations of traditional Braille, which can be bulky and lacks comprehensive resources, particularly in fields like law. Through this training, students are now better prepared to navigate their studies with efficiency and confidence.

The training took place from October 14 to October 31, 2024, at a dedicated room on Kenyatta University’s Parklands campus. This well-equipped space became the learning ground for seven Kenyatta University students, with two additional students from the University of Nairobi joining the cohort. Under the guidance of inABLE’s skilled instructors—Valary Olesia, Alex Njue, and Anthony Wambua—the students explored the functionalities of their MacBooks, learning to integrate them seamlessly into their academic routines.

The training followed a structured three-week curriculum focused on practical skills in MacBook accessibility and productivity tools. During the first week, students were introduced to the physical layout of the MacBook, including its keyboard, ports, and voice-over features. The voice-over interface became an essential tool for navigation, as students learned to adjust settings like pitch, language, and rate, making it easier to engage independently with their laptops.

In week two, the focus shifted to file and folder management, using the Finder app and the Pages application for word processing. Students learned to create, format, and edit documents, and navigate through templates, enhancing their productivity and organizational skills.

“The final week was dedicated to mastering spreadsheets using the Numbers application. Students gained proficiency in cell referencing, data entry, and formula calculations, all key skills for legal research and document preparation. By the end of the course, they could confidently use MacBook’s accessibility features and productivity tools,” Valary explains.

Given the intensive nature of the training, it was recommended that future cohorts extend the duration to cover additional modules and reinforce the knowledge gained. Students will now participate in a mentorship program, during which inABLE will monitor their progress and the impact of the MacBook on their academic performance.

The assistive technology training at Kenyatta University marked a significant step forward in creating an inclusive learning environment for visually impaired law students. The skills they have acquired will enable them to engage with their studies more effectively and independently, transforming their educational journey. inABLE remains committed to supporting these students as they advance in their studies and empowering them to achieve their career aspirations.

Compiled by Alex Njue (Computer Instructor at inABLE) and Lily Ronoh-Waweru, Strategic Communications Specialist

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Jul 23, 2024
Empowering Blind Law Students: Macbook Program

By Linda Wairegi and Lily Ronoh-Waweru | Multimedia Manager & Multimedia Storyteller

A picture of two ladies using Macbook laptops

Caroline and Grace, both law students and visually impaired at the University of Nairobi (UON), are experiencing transformative changes in their academic journeys thanks to a groundbreaking initiative – the University Computer Assistive Project. This initiative is aimed at helping Kenyan law students with visual impairments to reach their full potential and complete their legal university education. These laptops are equipped with assistive technology, which allows them to double up as a great learning resource.

Caroline, a 20-year-old third-year student specializing in commercial law, and Grace, also 20 and in her second year, were recently introduced to Macbook laptops equipped with assistive technology tailored for visually impaired individuals.

For Caroline, this marks her first experience with a Macbook as a visually impaired person. She finds the new operating system (OS) remarkably easy to use. “Learning to navigate the Macbook and utilize the voice-over feature has been a game-changer,” she shares. “The Pages and Numbers offer a different experience from Windows, making my study sessions more efficient.”

Grace, too, is excited with her new tool. “This is my first-time using voice-over, and I’ve learned how to use various shortcut commands,” she explains. “I can set the voice-over according to my needs, which makes navigating the laptop much easier.”

The voice-over feature is particularly beneficial during exams, as Caroline highlights. “Typing can be a struggle, but with voice-over and audio recording capabilities, it’s much more manageable.” Grace echoes this sentiment, noting that writing essays and taking notes during classes have become significantly easier. “The shortcuts in Numbers for report sums are simpler compared to Windows,” she adds.

Having access to these laptops is expected to greatly enhance Caroline and Grace’s ability to excel in their studies. Caroline, who engages in research and article writing related to law, emphasizes the importance of her new Macbook. “This device will support my writing work and advance my career aspirations in law,” she states. Grace appreciates the Macbook’s reliability, “Unlike my previous laptop, the Macbook doesn’t hang, which is crucial given the extensive writing required in law studies.”

Before using Macbooks, both students faced considerable challenges. Caroline struggled with physical books that were difficult to read and had limited access to online books. Grace found her Windows laptop to be heavy and prone to hanging, which hindered her ability to complete online exams efficiently. The new Macbooks, being light and portable, have alleviated these issues, allowing both students to focus more on their studies.

The ongoing support from the inABLE team has been instrumental in this transition. Caroline has been engaging with inABLE through online conferences since 2022 and praises the organization’s ability to actualize its strategic plans. “inABLE’s computer training with cohorts is a testament to their commitment,” she remarks. Grace, experiencing inABLE’s support for the first time, finds the experience inclusive and community-oriented. “The instructors are engaging and easy to work with,” she says.

Both students have heartfelt messages for the donors and supporters who made this initiative possible. Caroline urges continued support, “Their grants help inABLE reach more students and persons with disabilities.” Grace expresses her gratitude, “This initiative will help many people. I hope they can reach even more persons with disabilities.”

Access to technology like the Macbook is crucial in bridging the digital divide for visually impaired students. Caroline notes that students accustomed to Braille can now conduct independent research more easily. Grace believes that this access helps visually impaired students stay on par with their peers.

As advice to other visually impaired students, Caroline encourages openness to learning new skills. “This computer training has taught me valuable new skills,” she asserts. Grace adds, “Being open to assistance from organizations and sponsors will make navigating their academic journey easier.”

Looking ahead, Caroline aspires to use the knowledge she has gained to educate people in remote areas. “I hope to reach out and make a difference,” she says with determination. With their new Macbooks and the support from inABLE, Caroline and Grace are well-equipped to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams in the field of law.

Donate now to support this program: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/university-computer-assistive-technology-support/

Written by Linda Wairegi and Lily Ronoh-Waweru

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