University Computer Assistive Technology Support

Two years ago, your support placed accessible technology into the hands of aspiring lawyers with visual impairments at Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, and Mount Kenya University. Today, we are celebrating an exciting milestone: several of these students have completed their law degrees, earned new opportunities, and are building brighter futures. Their MacBooks have become far more than laptops—they are powerful tools for learning, independence, and opportunity. 

Their MacBooks continue to serve as essential assistive technology, supporting them as they transition from university into employment and further studies. 

When the programme began, beneficiary John observed that the legal profession is becoming increasingly digital. For lawyers with visual impairments, strong ICT skills are no longer optional—they are essential for accessing opportunities and thriving in the workplace. 

Another beneficiary, Brenda, shared that one of the greatest challenges for law students with visual impairments is the limited availability of Braille law books. With their MacBooks and built-in accessibility features, students can now access digital legal resources, conduct research, complete assignments, and participate more independently in their studies. 

The impact extends beyond academics. Carol uses her MacBook for content creation, while Kenyatta has developed graphic design skills and creates branded T-shirts using design software. We are also proud to celebrate Ominde, who recently earned a scholarship to pursue a Master of Laws degree abroad. 

These achievements have been made possible not only through access to technology but also through the dedication of the inABLE team, who trained and mentored each student. As Valary, one of our Computer Instructors, shares, "This project is close to my heart because after high school, we tend to lose many learners with visual impairments during the transition to university or other tertiary institutions. By supporting them at the university level, we're creating a stronger connection with our school programme and ensuring they continue receiving the support they need to succeed." 

We extend our sincere appreciation to Apple for donating the MacBook laptops and to every GlobalGiving donor for making this programme possible. 

Together, we are helping ensure that talented students with visual impairments have the tools, skills, and opportunities to thrive in higher education and beyond. Your generosity is empowering future lawyers to graduate, pursue new opportunities, and build successful futures. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. 

Written by Linda Wairegi, Multimedia Storyteller

Links:

• Empowering Blind Law Students: Impact of the Macbook Program
• MacBook Tools for Visually Impaired Law Students
• Empowering Visually Impaired Law Students

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

Links:

• Advancing Inclusive Education at Thika High School for the Blind
• Jasmine: Claiming Deafness as Identity, Culture, and Community
• Holiday Coding Boot Camp at Kang'aru Digital Hub