Beyond chalk, talk: Assistive technology needed in Ghanaian classrooms

Education is pivotal for national progress; however, many students in our public schools face hurdles that hinder their learning due to developmental delays and special educational needs.

Children with cognitive, sensory, or physical impairments struggle to keep pace, and without appropriate support, their potential can remain unfulfilled, restricting their contributions to society. 

The Ministry of Education must prioritise investment in assistive technology to address the technological deficiencies in our educational institutions and foster inclusive education.

Assistive technology encompasses low-tech options such as braille books and hearing aids, as well as advanced tools such as speech-to-text software, screen readers, and adaptive learning platforms. 

These resources empower students with disabilities to overcome obstacles and engage fully in their educational experiences.

A significant number of students with disabilities in our public schools lack essential support due to insufficient resources, untrained staff, and societal biases.

Our classrooms often lack the necessary adaptations, and teachers frequently lack the training needed to address the needs of diverse learners.

Assistive technology 
Assistive technology can revolutionise education in Ghana by providing equal learning opportunities for all students. Key areas that need financial support include:

Visual impairment support

Screen readers, electronic braille displays, and magnification software can aid visually impaired students in accessing educational materials.

Hearing impairment assistance

Digital solutions such as hearing aids, real-time transcription tools, and sign language interpretation can enhance the learning experience for deaf or hard-of-hearing students.

Adaptive learning resources

Customised digital platforms can assist students with developmental delays or learning disabilities, allowing them to learn at their own pace.

Accessibility enhancements

Schools should focus on creating wheelchair-accessible facilities, adjustable desks, and communication aids for students with mobility challenges.

Teachers must be equipped to effectively utilise assistive tools. Ongoing professional development in special education and technology will help teachers foster inclusive classrooms.

Economic, and social advantages

Investing in assistive technology serves not only as a moral imperative but also as an economic necessity. Failing to educate children with disabilities will result in a significant loss of human capital.

The World Bank and Global Partnership for Education’s 2017 report indicated that in 19 developing countries, only 48 per cent of children with disabilities complete primary education, with as many as 30 per cent having never attended school (World Bank, 2017).

On a social level, inclusive education promotes empathy and cooperation among students, helping to dismantle discrimination and prepare learners for a diverse world.

With adequate support, students with disabilities can become independent and productive, reducing their long-term reliance on social welfare services.

Moving forward

To successfully integrate assistive technology in our schools, several steps must be implemented:

Increased government funding: The Ministry of Education should prioritise financial allocations for assistive technology within the national education budget, leveraging partnerships with international organisations and the private sector for additional resources.

Policy enforcement: Current policies on inclusive education need to be reviewed and enforced to ensure the incorporation of assistive technology across all schools.

Special education training expansion: Teacher training programmes should integrate courses on assistive technology, and continuing education opportunities should be made available for existing teachers.

Public awareness, and advocacy: Awareness campaigns can help shift public perspectives on disability and inspire parents to advocate for their children's rights.

Monitoring, and evaluation: A systematic monitoring approach should be established to evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technology initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Investing in assistive technology is critical for realising inclusive education in Ghana. No child should be disadvantaged due to disabilities or learning difficulties.

By equipping schools with the necessary resources and thoroughly training educators, we can build an equitable education system that empowers all learners.

Collaboration among the Ministry of Education, stakeholders, and the community is essential to ensure that assistive technology is seamlessly integrated into our educational framework.

The time for action is now to eliminate technological barriers to student success.

The writer is an Educationist,
Greater Accra Region.
E-mail: wisdomklu@gmail.com