Visually impaired learners will soon be able to learn science and mathematics if the government implements a plan to replace the braille book with digital content.
Although, there is no set deadline to achieve the goal, donors through the Kenya Union for the Blind (KUB) and the Institute for the Blind plan to deliver an expanded syllabus content for learners with visual impairment in digital form.
The braille book remains an ideal mode of content delivery to the visually challenged people at the moment even though learners with interest in science, mathematics, engineering and technology are constrained by the lack of content in these subjects.
The KUB Chief Executive Officer Jackson Agufa says the unavailability of a braille form of math, science and engineering has confined the visually impaired learners to art related disciplines.
“Braille is associated with bulk. You need volumes and volumes of braille books for a single topic in Math. It is cumbersome at the moment,” said Agufa.
The high cost of Braille books compared to digital content has pushed the government to new look at new options.
Agufa made the remarks in Kakamega while donating White cane walking aid to the visually challenged people in the area.
A total of 20,000 white canes will be given out across the country under the project supported by Safaricom.
He said KUB plans to give every visually challenged child in school a white cane and a braille format of the Covid-19 health and safety guidelines before the October school reopening date.
He said a braille printout of the health protocols was ready for delivery to schools as early as the first week of October while every blind will be given the white cane on re-entry.
“”Together with the ministry, we have planned a smooth return of our children to school in spite of the challenges our sector faces.”
KUB says a braille book handout on the guidelines will address social distancing in class, dormitory and fields, regular hand washing practices and wearing of face masks.
Schools are required to guarantee a ready supply of clean running water, liquid soap/hand sanitizers, and monitor and keep a record of temperature staff and students as well as undertake mental and psychosocial support for learners and staff.