At Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), our vision has always been to champion inclusivity, empowerment, and innovation for persons with disabilities. As part of our Research and Innovation pillar, we embarked on a groundbreaking research project- Mobile as Assistive Technology research initiative, in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub and Jomo Kenyatta University College. This project has touched the lives of 200 remarkable individuals—100 deaf and 100 visually impaired—across Nairobi, Kisumu, and Diani.
Our goal was clear: to explore whether mobile phones could serve as assistive devices, empowering individuals with the tools they need to overcome barriers and unlock new opportunities. These smartphones were more than just communication tools—they became a gateway to information, independence, and inclusion. By providing access to the right resources and support, we aimed to demonstrate how technology can break down the walls of isolation often faced by individuals with disabilities, fostering a more connected and inclusive world.
Each participant received a Samsung A14 smartphone with complete accessories, which was loaded with essential apps and features designed to empower the user experience. The participants went through a 2-day training on the accessibility features such as talkback, text-to-speech, Google lookout for the Visually impaired and voice to speech, translator, caption calls and closed captions for the Deaf.
The trainings were conducted in five phases, with 20 participants in each, to maintain quality and allow sufficient time for meaningful engagement with each group.
To ensure accurate data collection on usage patterns, the mobile devices given to participants were installed with the Murmuras app. It is important to clarify that the app only tracked usage patterns, without accessing or collecting any private information from the participants’ phones.
In addition, we provided 6 months of Safaricom monthly data bundles (2GB per month) to ensure that participants had reliable internet access to explore online platforms, engage in social media, and connect with others.
The results of this project have been nothing short of inspiring. We have conducted follow-up interviews with select participants and heard incredible stories of how these phones transformed daily lives for both deaf participants and those with visual impairment. It is these stories that remind us of the profound impact that assistive technology can have on an individual’s life.
This research is just the beginning. The true power of this initiative lies in its future implications. We have seen firsthand how technology can open doors, but we also recognize that there is so much more to be done. We are committed to expanding this initiative, ensuring that even more individuals with disabilities have access to the technology and training they need. We envision a future where assistive technology is not just an option but a fundamental right for all.
The partnership with GDI Hub and Jomo Kenyatta University College has been a pivotal part of this success. Their expertise and support were invaluable in providing the training and resources, data collection and analysis necessary to make this project a reality. Moving forward, we will continue to work together, harnessing the power of innovation to ensure that no one is left behind.
As the research comes to and end, we reflect on this journey, and we are deeply moved by the patience and determination of our participants. Their stories inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and we look forward to further collaborations and initiatives that will continue to improve lives through technology.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported this project, and especially to the incredible individuals who took part. This is just the beginning of a long and exciting journey towards a more inclusive world.
At KBTA, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a world where technology empowers everyone. Together, we are proving that inclusion is not just a goal; it’s a reality we can achieve.
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