Visiting Day Delight

Observing the smiles and joy of amazed parents as they watch their children use computers with confidence and enthusiasm is one of my favorite activities during visitor days. While these parents anticipated learning improvements they never dared to dream their child would be computer literate.

On one particular visiting day a class three student brought his guest to the computer lab to show her how he could navigate through the keyboard and open a program (math flash). It was clear that his parent was totally impressed with what her child had accomplished. After praising inABLE for this learning opportunity, she said “nobody could have ever thought that a blind person could use computer.” She was then concerned about what would happen when her child went to high school. She feared that these computer skills would be lost if children didn’t continue advancing.

Fortunately, inABLE is working hard to install computer labs to the Thika High School for the Blind and also in Kibos Kisumu. Thanks to the many generous donors, sponsors, and supporters who support inABLE’s mission to open computer labs for the blind at all of the blind primary and secondary schools in Africa.

by Carolyn Ngondi

Computer Lab donations are being accepted at http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/computer-labs-for-the-blind/?rf=ggWidget

Blind Students Excel

Data tabulation is one of those learning modules that induce stress for almost every learner, regardless if one is sighted or visually impaired. The perception is that it is difficult. Generally speaking, most people fear mathematics with or without Microsoft Excel.

A friend cautioned me that teaching Excel to blind students can be very difficult. He recommended that I research practical examples to explain different terminologies used in Excel spreadsheets, which of course I did.

When the time came for me to execute my Excel data tabulation lesson, I began with Class 7. As anticipated, the students groaned with dismay stating that the lesson was too difficult. I was reminded of a Swahili proverb that goes kutangulia sio kufika, meaning “starting a journey does not guarantee finishing”.

Thankfully, my concerns were needless. All of the Class 7 students - who happen to be totally blind - were exceptionally good in Excel.

What I learned is that it is good to embrace a learning challenge and never under estimate any student.