University Computer Assistive Technology Support

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