Assistive Tech Training Benefits Blind Women Nepal

Author: Jalasa Sapkota
Published: 2024/12/13 - Updated: 2025/11/01
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Events / Public Notices - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This report documents a four-day training program organized by Prayatna Nepal in December 2024 that brought together 22 visually impaired girls and women to learn practical assistive technology skills. The information is authoritative because it was written by Jalasa Sapkota, a visually impaired researcher and advocate who serves as a Resource Person for the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment's Gender Equality and Women's Rights Task Group, and the program was supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Participants learned to use essential applications including Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, InstaReader, and Cash Reader, along with communication platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, as well as digital security practices for navigating online spaces safely.

The training addressed a critical gap in digital accessibility by providing hands-on instruction from expert trainers, including a disability inclusion advisor from the Nepal Association of the Blind and specialists in digital technology applications. This initiative demonstrates practical approaches to building technological competence among blind and visually impaired women, offering a replicable model for similar capacity-building programs that can enhance independence, financial management capabilities, and access to educational and employment opportunities for people with visual disabilities worldwide - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

With the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Prayatna Nepal successfully organized a four-day training program from December 10-13, 2024, focused on empowering visually impaired girls and women through assistive technology. This training aimed to bridge the digital divide by equipping participants with essential skills to navigate technology effectively, enhancing their independence and access to opportunities. The event served as a platform for capacity building, strengthening confidence among the participants while addressing critical challenges they face in an increasingly digital world.

Main Content

Prayatna Nepal, with the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), successfully organized a four-day training program on assistive technology for visually impaired girls and women. The event took place from December 10–13, 2024, at Hotel Pension Vasana, Dillibazar, Kathmandu.

The training brought together 22 participants from diverse backgrounds and contexts, aiming to enhance their understanding and utilization of assistive technology in everyday life.

Expert Trainers

The program was facilitated by a team of highly skilled trainers, led by:

Mr. Khom Raj Sharma: Disability Inclusion Advisor at the Nepal Association of the Blind (NAB) and a renowned digital accessibility expert.
Mr. Suyog Dhungel: A youth with visual impairment with extensive knowledge of digital technology and its broader applications.
Ms. Sabita Lamichhane: A committed advocate for visually impaired girls and women, with expertise in assistive technology.

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Facilitator facilitating the session. The image shows a man standing indoors in front of a banner. He is wearing a maroon sweater with a zippered collar and is speaking or mid-expression, possibly addressing an audience. In the background, there is a visible banner on the wall that reads: Empowering Her Voice: Bridging the Digital Divide - Training on Assistive Technology. The banner also includes visual elements such as icons of people using assistive devices like wheelchairs and technologies. Another individual, partially visible on the left side, appears seated and focused on something. The setting suggests a workshop or training session related to assistive technology, aimed at empowerment and inclusion.

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Comprehensive Training Modules

Over the course of the training, participants were introduced to a wide array of topics, including:

Understanding Digital Accessibility: Importance and applications.
Case Studies: Real-life examples of assistive technology use.
Assistive Apps: Hands-on sessions with apps like InstaReader, Seeing AI, and Be My Eyes.
Financial Management: Learning tools like Cash Reader and digital wallets.
Communication and Productivity Tools: Using WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Gmail, Outlook, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
File Access and Sharing: Managing documents and uploads effectively.
Digital Security: Safe navigation of online and offline spaces, with a focus on social media.

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A participant sharing her learning. The image depicts a group of individuals in an indoor setting, likely part of a workshop or training program. In the center, a woman stands smiling, wearing a light pink quilted jacket and a traditional red embroidered skirt. She is positioned near a table covered with a green cloth, which holds a water bottle, a microphone, papers, and a small device. To her left, a seated man wearing a dark brown jacket also smiles. Behind them, two individuals stand. One is wearing a colorful knitted hat and maroon sweater, holding a microphone, while the other wears a light pink jacket and has their hair tied back in a ponytail. In the background, there is a banner similar to the previous image. It reads: Empowering Her Voice: Bridging the Digital Divide - Training on Assistive Technology. It mentions being supported by Canada and organized by Prayatna. The atmosphere suggests an inclusive and positive environment focused on empowerment and technology training, with attendees interacting actively.

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One participant reflected on her experience, stating:

"I didn't know the difference between Be My Eyes and Seeing AI before this training. Now, I feel confident using these apps because they are so accessible and empowering for visually impaired people like me. This training has shown me how technology can make life easier and help me lead my best life as a visually impaired person."

Commitment to Inclusion

Prayatna Nepal believes in empowering women and girls with disabilities by enhancing their technological skills and building their confidence. This training is a step forward in promoting inclusivity and enabling participants to embrace opportunities in a rapidly digitizing world.

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Participants engaged in game related to online and offline violence. The image shows a group of people standing outdoors in a circular formation on a rooftop. The group is engaged in an activity involving a web of strings held by the participants, symbolizing connection or teamwork. At the center of the image, a woman wearing a light pink quilted jacket and a red-and-white striped skirt reads from a piece of paper. She appears to be leading the activity. The participants around her are dressed in casual winter clothing, including jackets and sweaters. One person is wearing sunglasses, and another has a colorful knit cap. The expressions and body language suggest attentiveness and participation. In the background, there are buildings, a water tank labeled Go Green, and some rooftop structures. The setting appears to be a bright, sunny day, with clear skies and urban surroundings. The activity seems to promote teamwork, inclusion, or communication, possibly as part of a training or workshop.

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Prayatna Nepal remains committed to empowering women and girls with visual impairments by bridging the gap through accessible technology and inclusive opportunities.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The success of this training program reveals something often overlooked in discussions about digital accessibility: the gap isn't just about making technology accessible, but about ensuring people know such technology exists and how to use it effectively. When one participant expressed surprise at discovering the difference between Be My Eyes and Seeing AI, it highlighted how specialized assistive tools remain unknown to many who could benefit most from them. As digital platforms increasingly mediate everything from banking to healthcare appointments, programs like this one don't merely teach technical skills—they provide a roadmap for independent participation in modern society. The collaboration between local advocacy organizations and international funding sources demonstrates a sustainable model that prioritizes lived experience, bringing together trainers and participants who understand the specific challenges blind and visually impaired women face in accessing both technology and opportunity - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Jalasa Sapkota is a visually impaired writer, researcher, and advocate for disability inclusion. With a background as a former Research Assistant at Diverse Patterns Limited and now as a Resource Person for the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment's (ICEVI) Gender Equality and Women's Rights Task Group, she has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities. Visit Jalasa's biography for comprehensive insights into her background, expertise, and accomplishments.