Loading...
Loading...
As mandated by the Act, KSB since 1986 has coordinated and implemented body of the Kenya Integrated Education Program (KIEP) working in partnership with the Ministry of Education in Kenya and Sight Savers International (SSI) through a tripartite agreement. This has remained the best example of the efforts towards Inclusive education. The Ministry of Education is represented in the KSB Board by an appointee of the Permanent secretary.
Through KIEP, the capacity of government education systems to identify and integrate learners with visual impairment tremendously increased in regular public schools.
Kenya Society for the Blind uses the integration approach to Education where most learners with visual impairment learn alongside the sighted students. This enables the learners with visual impairment exploit their full potential in class work and outdoor activities.
At County level activities have been implemented through the Education Assessment and Resource Centres and coordinated by a specially trained professional. Through KIEP, teachers are identified from the regular integrating schools and through collaboration with KISE; they are equipped with Braille and Low vision skills to facilitate assessment, placement and support of learners with visual impairment in regular schools.
The integration approach to education, as implemented by the Kenya Society for the Blind, holds significant importance for several reasons:
It creates an inclusive environment for learning.
It equal access to educational resources.
It prepares learners with visual impairments for participation in an inclusive society.
KSB is instrumental in importing assistive devices for education institutions in Kenya. Most students with visual impairment are equipped with adapted computer skills that enable them pursue higher education with ease. Kenya Society for the Blind is currently pushing for transition from the use of British English Braille to Unified English Braille (UEB). KSB influences policy change in education for learners with visual impairment including SNE policy and establishment of Directorate of Special Needs Education at the Ministry of Education headquarters.
