KISE to host expo on specialised learning materials, assistive devices

Kenya Institute of Special Education(KISE) will host an expo in early September on specialised learning materials, assistive devices and technology.

The expo will take place at the institute’s headquarters in Kasarani, Nairobi between September 5 to 6, 2024.

The main theme for the expo will be; An African Expo on Specialised Learning Resources, Assistive Devices and Technology.

There will also be sub-themes on Specialised Learning Materials, Assistive Devices and Technology, where manufacturers and suppliers will showcase specialised learning materials, assistive devices and technology and engage with users to establish new markets.

Others will be Resourcing for Specialised Learning Resources, Assistive Devices and Technology, User Perspective on Specialised Learning Materials, Assistive Devices and Technology, Policy perspective on Specialised Learning Materials, Assistive devices and Technology and finally AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Assistive devices and technology enhance participation, inclusion and quality of life for many individuals with disabilities.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), recognises access to assistive devices as a human right.

Globally, 2.5 billion people require at least one assistive device, this is according to WHO and UNICEF Global Report, 2022.

The report projects that by the year 2050, the number of people in need will be 3.5 billion.

A study in several sub-Saharan African Countries indicates that most learners with disabilities cannot access assistive devices and technology (Fanu, Schmidr and Virendrakumar, 2022).

In Kenya, The National Survey on Children with Special Needs and Disabilities (KISE, 2018) reported insufficient assistive devices which hinders them from accessing quality education.

Learners with special needs and disabilities will more often require specialised learning materials and assistive devices. Assistive devices in particular enable students with disabilities to access both curricular and extracurricular knowledge and skills offered in schools for their daily lives (Gierrach & Stindt, 2009).

The devices alleviate challenges arising from limitations imposed by special needs and disability which include physical skills, cognitive ability, communication and difficulty in activities of daily living.

“Access to appropriate, effective assistive technology can create a paradigm shift in the education of learners with special needs with disabilities in addition to promoting their independence,” said Dr Norman Kiogora, KISE director during a media briefing on Friday on the upcoming expo at the institute’s headquarter in Kasarani.

He added: “Moreover, assistive technology enhances participation in the workforce and the opportunity to maintain self-efficacy.”

Studies have shown that assistive technologies, when appropriate to the user and the user’s environment, have a significant impact on the level of independence and participation that people with disabilities can achieve (WHO, 2011).

They have been reported to reduce the need for formal support services (WHO, 2011) as well as reduce the time and physical burden for caregivers (Allen et al., 2006).

Mobility devices, Dr Kiogora said can be provided by a broad range of stakeholders including governments, international agencies, non-governmental organisations (including charitable and faith-based organisations), and the private sector.

In countries like Costa Rica, Cuba, Guyana, Indonesia, Mozambique, the Philippines and South Africa, the provision of mobility devices is an integral part of health care, and they are provided by the Ministry of Health through the national healthcare system (WHO, 2011).

In Kenya, the Ministry of Education provides specialised learning materials, assistive devices and technology to learners in special schools and inclusive settings.

Despite efforts by governments and other stakeholders to provide assistive devices and technology, there are challenges of availability, cost, meeting the needs of the users, environmental conditions, after-sales support, safety and durability.

“It is against this background that The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has organised the African Expo on Specialised Learning Materials, Assistive Devices and Technology to provide a platform for manufacturers, users and suppliers to engage. It is hoped that this expo will create awareness of various assistive technologies in enhancing the inclusion of persons with disability,” said Dr Kiogora.

The expo, he said is expected to bring together manufacturers, innovators and distributors to showcase specialised learning materials, assistive devices and technology.

It is also expected to expose users to available solutions regarding specialised learning materials, assistive devices and technology for persons with special needs and disabilities.

And finally to establish partnerships and networks for the production, provision, supply and distribution of specialised learning materials, assistive devices and assistive technology.

Participants will be drawn from among others, manufacturers, innovators, distributors, parents and caregivers, schools, persons with disabilities and researchers.

Education practitioners, development partners, government ministries and departments, policymakers, private sector, and Non-Governmental Organisations will also participate.

Others will be organisations for persons with disabilities, organisations of persons with disabilities, hospitals, faith-based organisations and community-based organisations among others.