Empowering Through Technology: A Day with iSchoolAfrica on Disability Awareness Day

Dec 5, 2024

On 3 December 2024, iSchoolAfrica hosted an inspiring event in recognition of Disability Awareness Day, celebrating their 15-year commitment to promoting inclusive education in South Africa. Held at the iStore in Sandton, the event provided a glimpse into how Apple’s accessibility features are breaking barriers, empowering learners with disabilities, and ensuring equal opportunities in classrooms across the country.

The event began with a warm introduction by Michelle Lissoos, Executive Director of iSchoolAfrica. “Inclusion isn’t just a media moment; it’s the core of everything we do,” she shared passionately. This set the tone for an immersive and thought-provoking experience that showcased the programme’s achievements and aspirations for the future.

The Power of Inclusion in Action

Participants watched a heartfelt video highlighting iSchoolAfrica’s journey. Stories of nonverbal children learning to communicate, teachers rediscovering their passion, and learners engaging enthusiastically with lessons painted a vivid picture of transformation.

Michelle’s presentation underscored the stark realities faced by learners with disabilities in South Africa, where over 600,000 children remain excluded from the school system. She noted how iPads, with their built-in accessibility features, are addressing challenges like insufficient resources, stigmatization, and unaffordable assistive technologies.

“Disability is one of the greatest barriers to education,” Michelle explained. “But through iPads and technology, we’ve seen incredible transformations in access, communication, and empowerment.”

Experiencing Accessibility First-Hand

We then explored Apple’s built-in accessibility features through hands-on demonstrations. The VoiceOver tool narrated on-screen content for visually impaired users, while Sound Recognition sent alerts for specific sounds like a baby crying or a door knock, ensuring those who are deaf could stay aware of their environment.

Tools like Background Sounds and Colour Filters provided solutions for learners with focus challenges and impaired vision. The standout feature of the day was Eye Tracking Technology, which enables individuals with motor impairments to control the iPad using only their eyes. Zulaikha Goolam, Inclusion and Disability Programme Manager, called it a “game changer,” emphasizing its adaptability and intuitive design.

These features, preloaded on Apple devices at no additional cost, eliminate the need for expensive third-party assistive technologies, making accessibility affordable and inclusive.

A Prestigious Recognition: The Zero Project Award 2025

A key highlight of the event was the announcement that iSchoolAfrica’s Disability and Inclusion Programme had won the Zero Project Award 2025, a prestigious global recognition for innovative solutions in disability inclusion. Among 522 nominations from 90 countries, iSchoolAfrica was celebrated for its transformative impact on inclusive education in South Africa.

Notably, their Deaf Developers Programme introduced over 100 coding terms into South African Sign Language, enabling deaf learners to gain valuable tech skills. This award cements iSchoolAfrica’s role as a leader in global disability inclusion and positions their programmes as models for other regions.

The Impact on Lives

The event’s most moving moment came when Thulani, a graduate of the Deaf Developers Programme, shared his story. “As a deaf person, I’ve faced so many challenges growing up, but this programme has given me tools and skills that have truly empowered me,” he shared.

Through partnerships with schools, educators, and corporate sponsors, iSchoolAfrica ensures that their programmes remain sustainable. Their mobile iPad labs provide cutting-edge technology while fostering independence, confidence, and academic growth among learners.

Looking Ahead: Join the Movement

iSchoolAfrica’s Disability and Inclusion Programme proves that technology can be a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities. As they expand their initiatives, such as coding for inclusion and partnerships with NGOs, their impact resonates far beyond the classroom.

If you’re inspired by their mission, consider supporting iSchoolAfrica by learning more about their programmes, spreading awareness, or contributing to their initiatives. Together, we can build a future where education and technology empower every child, regardless of their abilities.