Optimizing Assistive Technologies as a Tool for ODeL Implementation to Learners with Disabilities in TVET Institutions in Kenya

Abstract

Education for sustainable development is an essential component of every human being. This means that education should be available and accessible to all learners on the basis of equal opportunity and equity. However, the persons with disabilities are often marginalized and consequently, they may not access technical training as they should. The Corona virus has revealed emerging vulnerabilities in education systems around the world. It is now clear that Kenya needs flexible and resilient education systems as we face erratic futures. Technology could be leveraged to ensure that learning takes place even as the country faces the Covid-19 uncertainties. It is true that government agencies have focused more on providing access to the learners in TVET institutions through Open, Distance and eLearning (ODeL) systems but overlooked the aspect of equity. Therefore, there is necessity for special commitment to enhance necessary technology to allow access to training and transition to work for learners with disabilities in TVET institutions. This paper achieves this through (1) defining the key concepts of ODeL, and (2) Presenting a model for optimizing assistive technologies in TVET institutions. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study and pertinent literature was visited to capture the essence of continued learning during these unprecedented times. The paper concludes that the optimisation of assistive technologies as a tool for promoting equity and inclusion in TVET education is viable through proactive educational leadership and policies that ensure availability of the appropriate human capacity and infrastructural resources.