DIGITAL INCLUSION PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY PERFORMANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN NAIROBI COUNTY
DIGITAL INCLUSION PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY PERFORMANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN NAIROBI COUNTY
Nyamweya Winnie Kemuma - Degree of Master of Science in Information Communication Technology Management, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Dr. Yusuf Muchelule, (PhD) - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenya
Dr. Tobias Mwalili, (PhD) - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenya
ABSTRACT
Technology has become an integral part of our social and economic landscape. Its benefits offer a wide range of opportunities with ICT providing tools and platforms for PWD to interact socially just like the rest of the population. With over 0.9 million people living with disabilities in Kenya, and one in five Kenyans using the internet, there is a need to investigate the impact of digital inclusion practices on technology accessibility. This study aimed to examine digital inclusion practices and technology accessibility performance for people with disabilities in tertiary institutions in Nairobi County. Specifically, this study determined the influence of digital access, found out the impact of digital usability, analysed the influence of ICT capacity building, and established the influence of the regulatory framework. The study used a descriptive research design to describe, explain, and validate its findings. The scope of this study was limited to persons with disabilities registered by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities learning or working in tertiary institutions in Nairobi County with visual, hearing and mobility or dexterity disabilities. The target population of the study were registered PWD who are Students, Faculty members, Administrative staff, and Support staff in tertiary institutions in Nairobi county. The tertiary institutions that participated in the study were selected using stratified sampling technique. The study used the non-probability sampling method, purposive sampling technique to justify the selection of the respondents from tertiary institutions. The collected data are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results are be represented in bar graphs, pie charts, and histograms. The research instrument was tested for reliability and validity during the pilot study. The questionnaire was pilot tested and administered to 10 respondents. The items had a factor loading above 0.5 and a Cronbach Alpha value greater than 0.8. This indicated that the research instrument was reliable and valid and there was no need to change the items. The study on digital inclusion practices and technology accessibility performance for people with disabilities in tertiary institutions in Nairobi County found generally high mean scores for various factors related to technology accessibility. These factors include digital access, digital usability, ICT capacity building, and regulatory framework, which all positively correlate with technology accessibility performance. Regression analysis confirms that these factors significantly impact technology accessibility performance. Specifically, regarding digital accessibility performance, most participants acknowledged the availability of assistive devices, adaptive features, and accessible computer labs for wheelchair users. However, improvements are needed in enhancing website readability, including larger and more recognizable text and images, increasing awareness of ICT accessibility policies, and promoting transparency and fairness in resource allocation for digital inclusion programs. Overall, while progress has been made, further research is necessary to identify other factors influencing technology accessibility performance and create more targeted interventions.
