Zimbabwe expands ICT skills support for teachers with visual impairments

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) held a five-day information and communication technology (ICT) skills training workshop for teachers with visual impairments, their assistants, and aides in Chiredzi. The workshop brought together 37 participants from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.

The training aimed to strengthen participants’ digital skills and improve access to information, communication, and educational resources through assistive technologies and accessible digital platforms. It was intended to support participants in their professional and personal lives while promoting more inclusive access to technology.

The programme was facilitated by the Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter. POTRAZ said cooperation between government institutions, technology organisations, and other stakeholders is important for addressing barriers to digital participation among marginalised communities.

The authority also said the nationwide participation of teachers, assistants, and aides reflected the need for digital inclusion programmes that respond to the needs of people with disabilities across different communities.

Why does it matter?

Digital skills can affect whether people with visual impairments are able to access information, educational resources, and online services independently. Improving access to assistive technologies and accessible digital platforms can help remove barriers that connectivity alone does not address.

Teachers with visual impairments can also apply digital skills in their professional work and share them with colleagues and learners. Strengthening digital capacity among educators with disabilities can therefore support both their own participation and wider access to technology in schools.

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