When Brenda Mwende was just two years old, she was diagnosed with glaucoma. Due to late detection, the condition led to irreversible blindness. However, her loss of sight did not define her future—it ignited a determination to challenge societal expectations and prove that visual impairment is not a barrier to success. Today, Brenda is a first-year law student at the University of Nairobi, armed with a MacBook equipped with assistive technology and the confidence to pursue her dreams.  

A Strong Foundation: Education & Early Inspiration 

Brenda began her academic journey at St. Lucy’s School For The Blind, where she first learned Braille and gained independence. It’s also here that she got introduced to digital skills training at the inABLE’s computer lab for the blind station within the school. Despite the societal misconceptions about people with disabilities, she was surrounded by teachers and peers who encouraged her to believe in her abilities. 

“My nursery schoolteacher noticed my potential and often told me I would become a lawyer,” Brenda recalls. “At the time, I didn’t fully understand what a lawyer was, but I made a promise to myself to work hard and pursue that goal.” 

Determined to prove that visually impaired students could thrive alongside sighted peers, Brenda excelled in her studies and earned a place at Moi Girls’ School Nairobi, where she sat for her high school national exams. Her hard work and resilience paid off—she scored a B+, securing her spot at the University of Nairobi to study law. 

Empowered by Assistive Technology 

For many visually impaired students, access to learning materials remains a challenge. In high school, Brenda relied heavily on Braille books, but not all resources were available in that format. The transition to university, where legal studies involve extensive reading and research, posed an even greater challenge. This is where assistive technology became a game-changer. 

“Due to the unavailability of Braille books at the university, my digital gadgets and screen reader enable me to read, conduct research, and even take exams comfortably,” Brenda explains. “I am incredibly grateful to inABLE and other organizations that provide technological solutions for visually impaired students.” 

Through inABLE’s Assistive Technology for University Students program, Brenda received digital skills training and a MacBook with built-in assistive tools. She now efficiently uses screen readers, text-to-speech software, and digital research platforms like LexisNexis to access legal materials. 

“With my MacBook, I can access the university’s electronic library, join virtual classes on Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and take notes using Pages and Microsoft Word,” she says. “This has completely transformed my learning experience.” 

Beyond Academics: A Vision for Inclusion 

Brenda’s passion for law extends beyond her personal success—she aspires to advocate for equal rights and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. She firmly believes that technology will play a crucial role in ensuring inclusion in education, workplaces, and society at large. 

“As a law student, my goal is to become a good lawyer and inspire individuals with disabilities. I want to challenge societal perceptions and prove that people with disabilities are not defined by the way others view us,” she says. 

Brenda envisions a future where institutions and policymakers prioritize digital accessibility, ensuring that assistive technology is widely available at all levels of education. She hopes to see improvements in screen readers, better compatibility with digital platforms, and enhanced text recognition for complex documents. 

Brenda encourages other visually impaired students to embrace technology and remain confident in their abilities. 

“By embracing these tools, they can gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue any career or personal goal they aspire to.” 

Brenda’s journey is a testament to the power of education, technology, and resilience. With the right tools and support, visually impaired students can break barriers, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to society. Her story highlights the importance of assistive technology programs like those offered by inABLE, ensuring that no student is left behind. 

Donate today to support inABLE’s Assistive Technology for University Students: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/university-computer-assistive-technology-support/reports/?pageNo=1 

Written by Lily Ronoh-Waweru, Strategic Communications Specialist