St. Lucy’s School For the Blind

Key Impact Summary

Since 2014, inABLE has partnered with St. Lucy’s Primary School for the Blind in Igoji, Meru County, to expand access to inclusive digital education for learners who are blind or have low vision. In February 2024, the program expanded to St. Lucy Senior School for the Visually Impaired, extending assistive technology and digital skills training to older learners preparing for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and independent participation in an increasingly digital world. Together, the two programs have reached more than 2,700 learners, including 262 who are currently enrolled.

About St Lucy’s School For the Blind

St. Lucy’s School for the Blind is located in Igoji, South Imenti, Meru County. The primary school was founded in 1958 by Catholic missionaries from the Diocese of Meru as a rehabilitation centre after a survey identified a significant need for services for blind people in Eastern Kenya. It began with seven boys and later became a public primary school for learners with visual impairments.
St. Lucy Senior School for the Visually Impaired was established in 2008 by the St. Lucy Primary School Board of Management to provide continued education for learners transitioning beyond primary level. Today, the St. Lucy’s schools serve learners who are blind, have low vision, and, in some cases, sighted learners in an inclusive environment.

The inABLE Program at St. Lucy’s School for the Blind

The inABLE Assistive Technology Lab program began at St. Lucy’s Primary School for the Blind in October 2014 and expanded to St. Lucy Senior School for the Visually Impaired in February 2024. The program equips learners and teachers with accessible digital tools and practical training that make technology part of everyday learning.
At the primary school, learners from Grade 1 to Grade 9 participate in assistive technology and digital skills training, including computer basics, assistive technology, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, internet use, software development, HTML, CSS, and basic Python. At the senior school, learners from Grade 10 to Form 4 use the lab for digital skills training, academic support, screen-reader navigation, digital safety, document creation, research, and independent technology use.

Program Reach and Measurable Impact

Across St. Lucy’s Primary School for the Blind and St. Lucy Senior School for the Visually Impaired, the inABLE program is advancing digital inclusion and accessible learning.

• More than 2,700 learners have participated across both schools.
• 262 learners are currently enrolled in the programs.
• 57 teachers have been trained or supported.
• 166 digital learning devices have been deployed, including desktop computers and Chromebooks.
• More than 6,800 hours of digital skills training have been delivered.
• 224 hours of coding training have been delivered at the primary school since coding classes began in 2023.

Summary of Key Results

• Improved learner independence: Learners are gaining confidence and practical ability to use computers, screen readers, screen magnifiers, Chromebooks, and digital learning tools with less reliance on constant instructor support.
• Stronger access to inclusive education: Assistive technology enables learners with visual impairments to access digital learning materials, conduct research, listen to set books, complete assignments, and participate more fully in classroom learning.
• Expanded digital literacy and academic participation: Learners and teachers are building practical skills in typing, digital productivity, internet use, research, communication, and accessible content use.
• Long-term pathways beyond school: Former learners have progressed into higher education, employment, media, entrepreneurship, and assistive technology instruction.

Why This Program Matters

For learners who are blind or have low vision, access to technology is a gateway to education, independence, communication, confidence, and future opportunity. Without accessible digital tools, learners can remain dependent on limited Braille materials, oral instruction, or support from others to access information. With the right technology and training, they can read, write, research, complete schoolwork, communicate, collaborate, and participate in learning more independently.

Beyond the Classroom

The impact of the St. Lucy’s program extends beyond classroom learning. Former learners and alumni have used digital and assistive technology skills to pursue higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, media, and assistive technology instruction. Examples include Kelvin, an e-waste entrepreneur; Luke, a Baite TV anchor; and Chris and Cliff, who are now Assistive Technology Instructors at inABLE.