Needs of the blind have for a long time been ignored by players in software programs making it hard for this group to access technology. That is why Microsoft in December last year embarked on a three-year coding and software development drive in order to equip the visually impaired pupils from age eight to 13 years with the much needed basic computer and software programming skills.
You might be curious about how the blind pupils are able to create super websites, and comment that is wishful thinking. This lot uses a screen reader to read text that is displayed on a screen. The thinking behind the program, which is happening because of a partnership with an NGO called InABBle, is to help the blind understand the coding language. It also seeks to help disabled pupils learn different computer skills like power point, word, excel…
Microsoft have gone ahead to demystify information and technology thanks to two-week boot camp that recently took place at Thika School for the blind that saw students from St Lucy in Meru, St Oda in Siaya and Thika School for the Blind trained. On that day, 11 pupils learned how to develop websites using HTML and Java applications.
“It is a two week camp plan for the kids who showed stronger ability to use technology and they are being taken through coding training. Just leaning how to use HTML to develop website,” says Alex Nyingi, Microsoft East Africa.
