The COVID-19 pandemic has a greater impact on the most vulnerable people. Children with impairments do not have an adequate learning environment even at the best of times, but the education gap could grow even wider during the pandemic.
Estimates show that 16% of the population in Nepal has some kind of visual or aural impairment. However, ICT has the potential to provide an effective learning environment for children with impairments. We are working to develop digital content for students with impairments using computers and ICT, such as by adding a text-to-speech function to digital teaching materials for visually impaired students, and by adding sign-language translation videos for aurally impaired students.
Accessibility in Digital Learning for Visually Impaired Students
The KDDI Foundation and the local NGO OLE Nepal have launched a study support program using ICT for visually impaired students. They can use a notebook computer to access a digital library with a text-to-speech function that lets them understand the content of books and materials.
Digital Learning Content with Nepali Sign Language
Videos with Nepali Sign Language have been created for aurally impaired students. These videos have been integrated into digital textbooks for science, math, Nepali, and English subjects, allowing aurally impaired students to utilize these textbooks.
User Testing Digital Learning Content with Nepali Sign Language
Adarsha Saula Yubak Secondary School in Lalitpur conducted user testing of the new Nepali Sign Language digital content together with students.