Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has announced dates for African Expo on Specialized Learning Materials, Assistive Devices and Technology targeting special needs stakeholders.
The expo, whose theme is “An African expo on specialized learning resources, assistive devices and Technology,” will be held at the institute’s headquarters in Kasarani, Nairobi, between September 5 to 6, 2024.
It will bring together manufacturers, innovators and distributors to showcase specialized learning materials, assistive devices and technology.
KISE Director Dr Norman Kiogora said the expo will also expose users to available solutions regarding specialized learning materials, assistive devices and technology for persons with special needs and disabilities.
Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, Kiogora noted that the expo whose registration is ongoing will also lead to the establishment of partnerships and networks for the production, provision, supply and distribution of specialized learning materials, assistive devices and assistive technology.
The outcome of the expo includes improvement of access to specialized learning, assistive devices and technology with ease.
It will also contribute to use of advanced assistive technology and inclusive education across the African continent.
According to WHO and UNICEF Global Report, 2022, at least 2.5 billion people require at least one assistive device. The report projects that by the year 2050, the number of people in need will be 3.5 billion.
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A study carried out in several Sub-Saharan African countries by Fanu, Schmidr and Virendrakumar, 2022, indicates that most learners with disabilities cannot access assistive devices and technology.
In Kenya, The National Survey on Children with Special Needs and Disabilities, a report carried out by KISE in 2018, indicated that there is an insufficient supply of assistive devices, which hinders them from accessing quality education.
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.
Assistive devices in particular enable students with disabilities to access both curricular and extracurricular knowledge and skills offered in schools for their daily lives, according to a report by Gierrach and 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.
Participants will be drawn from manufacturers, innovators, distributors, parents and caregivers, schools, persons with disabilities, researchers, education practitioners and development partners.
It will also involve government ministries and departments, policy makers, private sector, non-governmental organizations, organizations for persons with disabilities, hospitals, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations, among others.
By Obegi Malack
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