Kyambogo University in Kampala, Uganda has over the years gained a strong reputation as a quality provider of training for teachers and other professionals in special needs education, rehabilitation, and inclusive development through its Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation.
The Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation currently spearheads the University’s efforts to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with different types of impairments, including managing the Disability Resource Centre – containing support materials, devices and assistive technology catering to the various needs of students.
The Disability Resource Centre is further subdivided into support units that hone in on the needs of students with different types of impairments namely: the Braille and Low Vision, Sign Language, Motor and Multiple Impairment, and Dyslexia and Learning Difficulties Support Units.
The ‘Visuo- Hitech Resource room’ located in the Braille and Low Vision Support Unit houses all assistive technology resources that visually impaired students at the university utilise in various capacities to aid their learning including;
Document reader (ClearReader)
The Document Reader scans printed material and turns text to speech with a range of naturally sounding voices to choose from. The user has the option to archive single and multiple page documents and save audios on a flash drive for later reference.
Screen-reader software
Screen-reader software enables visually impaired users to read text displayed on a computer screen using a speech synthesizer or braille display. The Visuo-Hitech Resource unit at Kyambogo University currently uses Job Access With Speech (JAWS), the world’s most popular screen reader.
Using JAWS, students with visual impairments are able to read emails, surf the internet; easily navigate computers, websites and apps using a mouse; scan and read documents including PDFs; and fill out web forms with ease.
Screen Magnifiers
Screen magnifiers enable visually impaired users (particularly those with low vision) to increase the size of a text or image to any desired size. Kyambogo University currently uses the Merlin Ultra and Prodigi brands.
Merlin Ultra, among other features, offers a full HD camera that allows for a wide field of view, displaying more text on the screen in great detail. The magnifier also provides full high-definition color and contrast, resulting in sharp, crystal clear images and vibrant color accuracy. Users are able to adjust the colour and contrast of a document, set of text or image to their convenience.
Prodigi provides both a screen magnifier for both text and images. Users are able to switch from reading documents to listening to them, with the tap of a finger. They also have the option to store photos and documents for later reference.
Braille embosser
This is an impact printer that uses braille translation software to render text as tactile braille cells. Translated documents can then be printed on Braille paper.
Talking calculators
Despite looking and functioning just like common calculators, these assistive technology devices have a built-in speech synthesizer that enables each key pressed to be spoken out loud.
This helps a visually impaired user to verify that the numbers and operands have been entered correctly. The calculator also speaks the answer to the math problem.
3D Printer
This technological tool operates by printing one thin layer on top of another to create a 3-dimensional tactile objects. Instructors of students with visual impairments are able to print tactile maps, models of equipment and other images or diagrams that would have been challenging to describe to the students in a comprehensible way.
Students use their hands to independently explore the 3D materials, allowing them to appropriately feel images, maps and other visual information that are essential to their learning.
Access to assistive technology can make all the difference in the learning experience of students with disabilities. Investing in fully equipping the Disability Resource Center has enabled not only the enrollment of more students with disabilities but also placed Kyambogo University in a position to support other universities in the country and beyond on creating an enabling environment for their students with disabilities.
A number tools and resources on assistive technology and devices will soon be available on the CapAble platform.
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