In a rapidly evolving world of technology and accessibility, persons with disabilities (PWD) often face exclusion in the design and purpose of technologies, especially when those technologies aren’t available in accessible languages for Deaf users. Our organization is committed to closing this gap by focusing on the development and enhancement of sign language technologies, particularly for Deaf learners, youth, girls, and women.
Enhancing quality Education for Deaf learners with Technology
In Kenya, the majority of Deaf schools are public boarding institutions, and nearly all Deaf learners spend their formative 15 years in school. These educational settings play a crucial role in nurturing sign language skills, fostering a sense of community and culture, and laying the foundation for academic and social growth. However, despite being in school, the average learning outcomes in national exams fall below expectations. This indicates that while children are attending school, they aren’t effectively absorbing knowledge, defeating the purpose of their education.
Our organization recognizes that the lack of suitable learning materials and accessible platforms contributes significantly to these low learning outcomes. To address this challenge, we’re dedicated to creating a sign language accessible Learning Management System and curriculum content. Leveraging the availability of basic computers in schools, we aim to establish Digital Library repositories of sign language curriculum content, revolutionizing Deaf education through technology.
Enhancing Gender Equality and reduced inequality for Deaf Girls, youth and Women through Technology
Our work with Deaf schools and communities unveiled alarming vulnerabilities among Deaf girls to sexual abuse, risky behaviors among Deaf youth, early pregnancies among Deaf school girls, and low utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services and most often not documented or reported.
As an organization We firmly believe that informed individuals are empowered individuals. Those who possess knowledge about their sexual health, reproductive choices, and body integrity have high self-esteem and are more likely to make informed decisions and assert their voices.
To address this need, we’ve developed an SRHR Sign language App and platforms. This app serves as a reliable reference point for accurate SRHR information presented in sign language. Our vision for this app is ambitious: we plan to expand its content, evolve it into an African SRHR App, and establish connections to SRHR services and peer support across a spectrum of SRHR issues.
Through these technological initiatives, our organization is striving to break information access barriers by a providing knowledge data base and ensure that access to quality education and comprehensive SRHR information is no longer a challenge but a right for all.
