Leverage Online

Leverage Online aims to have a project that benefits deaf families and children using technology. The project will be divided into three phases to ensure that all aspects in Technology training by Leverage Online are covered. These phases include the integration, immurement and the ground trial. 

The first phase involves slowly introducing technology to the deaf. The first training is already underway and various activities have already taken place. In this phase, the deaf underwent an introduction to computers, where they learnt how to navigate and operate basic gadgets and computers. Additionally, they were taught computer packages, soft skills like UX and UI designs, email and internet, graphics, databases, different hacks in computers and other simple skills. At this stage, the deaf can comfortably apply for any entry level white collar job that only requires the basic knowledge of operating computers and navigating the world of technology. These jobs may include clerks, assistants and many more. 

After this, the trainees  that are willing, graduate to the next phase, which involves the immurement into the world of technology. The Leverage online graduates will then be introduced to advanced skills such as different computer languages and coding. We achieve this by working directly with interpreters and tech professionals, either from companies or institutions. Since there is no sign language in existence that interprets the different terms in technology, we are working to be the first group that creates this language that can be used by others.

 Leverage Online is an organization located in the Uasin Gishu region of Kenya, that provides equitable opportunities for the deaf communities in Kenya focusing on the Grass root regions.  Leverage Online is bridging the communication gap that exists between the deaf community and the hearing through the use of technology. Leverage online is carrying out technology training that involves impacting the deaf with basics to ICT, data and information literacy, UX and UI designs, basics to software programs and hardware modules and many other skills revolving around information technology.

Leverage Online also aims to work with sign language interpreters by creating job and employment opportunities for them in that they will help in facilitating services to the deaf in organizations, corporates, and institutions. Leverage Online is a platform that sign language interpreters, the Deaf, and the hearing in creating content that will benefit majorly the deaf communities (ranging from kids to adults). The content will entail both paid and free packages depending on the creators, based on different topics and skills ranging from technology, business, law, education among others.

Leverage Online  expects to reach a maximum of 600 Deaf people in their respective communities in the 6 constituencies of Uasin Gishu county. It also expects to impact 1500 members of the hearing population who live with the Deaf community and have no knowledge of sign language. This number of beneficiaries is expected to double in the next one year since the Deaf in hiding will surface. This implies that there might be a foreseen need that the Deaf community might in future be in more need of digital literacy programs in this ever-changing technological changing country.

The project Idea majorly involves training the Deaf communities on digital skills that will help them navigate online platforms. This process is  innovative enough to capture both the Deaf in rural and urban areas of Uasin Gishu county and other regions of Kenya. 

     The idea taken up by  Leverage Online is a replicated one in quite a number of constituencies in Kenya. Digital literacy programmes done all over the country have seen to yield significant benefits that prepare the beneficiaries for the ever-changing technological world. With the increasing rate of electricity access in rural areas :73% in 2014 (SEFORALL, 2017), digital literacy programs generate the desired impacts on communities. This project is innovative on the following grounds, 

Beneficiary group: Little attention is directed towards the Deaf communities in Kenya due to the informational gap that is caused by unawareness of the signing language in online platforms. None of the digital literacy programmes initiated  in the past were specialized to benefit the Deaf. This will be the first project to equip the Deaf communities with digital literacy skills. This group are victims of low literacy levels caused by the technological gap between the hearing and the Deaf . Digitization of the social services has created an unmet need of constantly improving the digital literacy skills for the Deaf to guarantee equitable opportunities for all.

Geographical location: lack of sign language awareness in urban centers has pushed the Deaf to rural areas. As compared to the few in urban areas, the Deaf in rural areas are characterized by high digital illiteracy levels. They depend on deaf Grapevine who are in urban areas to access important information such as government policies, health, politics, security and education.

The innovative part of the solution involves…

The current program underway has been divided into three phases to ensure that all aspects are covered. These phases include the integration, amercement and the ground trial. 

The first phase involves slowly introducing technology to the deaf. The first training is already underway and various activities have already taken place. In this phase, the deaf underwent an introduction to computers where they learnt how to navigate and operate basic gadgets and computers. Additionally, they were taught computer packages , soft skills like UX and UI designs , email and internet, graphics, databases, different hacks in computers and other simple skills. At this stage, the deaf can comfortably apply for any entry level white collar job that only requires the basic knowledge of operating computers and navigating the world of technology. These jobs may include clerks, assistants and many more. 

After this, the trainees  that are willing , graduate to the next phase which involves the immurement into the world of technology. The Leverage online graduates will then be introduced to advanced skills such as different computer languages and coding. We achieve this by working directly with interpreters and tech professionals either from companies or institutions. Since there is no sign language in existence that interprets the different terms in technology, we are working to be the first group that creates this language that can be used by others.

Deaf and hard of hearing people are at greater risk of marginalization because of economic, environmental and institutional discrimination which excludes them from socioeconomic activities. Studies highlight that deaf and hard of hearing people typically leave school with fewer qualifications than hearing people, are less likely to further study and are more likely to end themselves in positions where they are not promoted. According to a recent survey (Action on Hearing Loss 2007), even among those who are employed, more than half of deaf and hard of hearing people (55%) reported feeling socially isolated at work and approximately one in four reported being harassed in their workplaces (26%), making it difficult for them to maintain paid work and remain economically independent.

Deafness carries a huge economical impact to  both developed countries and the ones developing as it affects both the deaf and the surrounding community. This fact remains unquantified as a proper research determining the amount of economic constraint that the deaf and their providers face is yet to be done. However, due to the high costs associated with services for the deaf and other amenities that the deaf require, we can assume that the economic stress associated is very high. If we look at the impact of late diagnosis, undiagnosed deafness, insidious deafness, the impact on employment, and the lack of employment opportunities because of deafness, we can try to estimate the impact of deafness on a country’s economy.

The solution by Leverage Online can help reduce the economic constraint by helping the deaf access better jobs in the society and thus reducing dependency levels among them. Employment is an important means of securing economic stability and independence. Through the skills that the deaf are taught in Leverage Online,  they are in a better position to get employed in better paying jobs and get promotions at their current jobs if they are already employed. With the current advancement in Tech, the deaf will be at a higher advantage once they go through the training, as they will have desired skills and knowledge. This will in turn increase their chances of formal employment and for those that wish to employ themselves, they will be in a better position to improve their businesses though current trends. 

We are a community based organization that provides and empowers the deaf community with equitable opportunities through technology.

I would lie for LEAP Fellows to help me understand how best I can develop a platform that will serve the underprivileged Deaf families and children in accessing online content and opportunities. The LEAP project will help to  assess whether the project will fully meet the need  of improving the digital competency level of the Deaf communities in Kenya.