Rwanda is making plans to convert all the text books into Braille in an effort to ensure visually impaired students benefit from all education materials, authorities have said.
The Director-General of the Rwanda Education Board (REB), Nelson Mbarushimana, highlighted the institution’s commitment to enhancing educational inclusion.
As part of this endeavour, he said, REB initiated a project to translate all school textbooks into Braille format.
According to Mbarushimana, the objective is to make more reading resources available for students with visual impairments.
“REB has a department dedicated to special needs and inclusive education, complete with a Braille officer. Currently, some books are already available in schools in Braille format. Additionally, there are plans in place to convert all the remaining books into Braille,” he said.
According to Mbarushimana, the objective is to make more reading resources available for students with visual impairments.
However, he did not disclose the transition timeline.
Instead, he emphasised that the government has additional materials in place to facilitate and enhance the learning experience for people with disabilities, including the Orbit Reader. He also disclosed plans for an increase in their availability during the new academic year.
“it looks like a computer designed for visually impaired students, facilitating communication between students and teachers. If a teacher has a smartphone, all files can be shared, and students can interact in Braille using the Orbit Reader 20, enabling them to read and communicate effectively,” he said.
Mbarushimana said that as part of a commitment to enhancing inclusion and supporting students with speaking and hearing impairments, online books also feature a sign language translator. Additionally, to cater to the needs of visually impaired students, an Orbit Reader was introduced as a digital tool, enhancing accessibility, and learning opportunities for them.
A child with disability reading a school textbook in Braille format at the event. REB initiated a project to translate all school textbooks into Braille format.
The year 2022 saw the official launch of the Orbit Reader, with 50 devices distributed to schools. There are plans to procure more units, which will be distributed to other schools.
“Disability is not inability, and we want to encourage people with various types of disabilities to utilize available resources in promoting literacy,” he added.
