UHAS IAC empowers visually impaired with digital literacy program

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Information Access Centre is working to promote digital literacy among Ghana's visually impaired.

Dr. Dominic Agyei Dankwa, Senior Assistant Librarian and Head of the centre, discussed the initiative's goal of making education inclusive during a tour with Volta Regional Director of Education, Mr. Francis Y. Agbemadi. The visit was part of the Technology Enhancement Accessible Classroom for Higher Impact (TEACH) stakeholders' consultation meeting, organized by the New Horizon Foundation for the Blind.

"Education should be for everyone, not just a select few," Dr. Dankwa emphasized. "The visually impaired are part of our society, and we should support them." The centre offers assistive technology and resources to help visually impaired students, including those from the New Horizons Foundation for the Blind, access education.

The centre has partnered with the New Horizons Foundation for the Blind to provide digital literacy training to visually impaired students. Dr. Dankwa stated that they have been working closely with the foundation to identify ways to make digital literacy more accessible to their students.

The Information Access Centre is equipped with resources such as computers, assistive devices, and a specialized training room designed for visually impaired students. These facilities are aimed at providing a conducive environment for students to learn and develop digital skills.

Despite their efforts, Dr. Dankwa expressed concerns about the infrequency of engagement with the students due to limited resources. He emphasized the need for regular digital literacy training, stating that it's essential for the students to have consistent access to these skills. "It's not enough to do it once in a while; it has to be an everyday thing," he said.

The Information Access Centre at UHAS is a community-driven facility that offers access to its resources to anyone interested in learning. The centre features state-of-the-art facilities, including a high-tech lounge, training room, production room, and virtual conference room, providing a conducive environment for learning and collaboration.

Dr. Dankwa extended an invitation to the public to take advantage of the centre's resources, emphasizing that it's not limited to UHAS students. He encouraged individuals to visit the centre and utilize its facilities, noting that a token fee is charged for some services to support the centre's operations.

The Information Access Centre is one of only two such centres in Ghana, with the other located in Accra. Its primary objective is to promote digital literacy among Ghanaians, with a focus on the Volta region. By providing access to digital resources and training, the centre aims to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today's technology-driven world.

Mr. Francis Agbemadi, the Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), emphasized that education is a lifelong process aimed at equipping individuals with skills to live independently. He noted that the integration of digital literacy into the curriculum is a step towards achieving this goal, enabling students to lead meaningful lives without relying on others. However, he highlighted the challenge of accessing affordable equipment, which hinders the full implementation of the program.

Mr. Agbemadi stated that the GES is committed to training teachers, especially those in special schools, to build their capacity to integrate new technologies into their teaching methods. He acknowledged that some teachers may have been trained in special education, but the rapidly evolving nature of technology requires continuous professional development to stay updated. The GES aims to support teachers in acquiring the necessary skills to effectively utilize new technologies and enhance the learning experience for students with visual impairments.

   Comments0