The ICBVI Initiative is a transformative empowerment initiative under the Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Programme. It is designed to provide comprehensive digital skills training for individuals with visual impairments, emphasizing inclusion, skills development, and digital accessibility. By equipping beneficiaries with essential computer literacy, the initiative fosters greater independence and enhances their ability to participate fully in the digital world.

The programme primarily targets visually impaired individuals, including:

- Teachers, who integrate digital skills into their teaching methodologies.
- Students, who use technology to improve their learning experience.
- Social workers, who leverage digital tools to support visually impaired communities.
- Community members, empowering them with ICT knowledge to enhance their daily lives and employment prospects.

Objectives and Impact
The core objective of the ICBVI Initiative is to introduce visually impaired individuals to basic computer and digital skills, enabling them to navigate digital platforms with ease and utilize assistive technologies, effectively.

As of the end of 2024, the programme had made significant strides, with:
- Over 600 visually impaired individuals trained, equipping them with fundamental digital skills (47% females).
- Approximately 60 trainers certified, creating a ripple effect by ensuring continuous knowledge transfer.
A total of 660 beneficiaries, demonstrating the initiative’s far-reaching impact.

Future Aspirations and Expansion
Following their participation in the ICBVI Initiative, many beneficiaries have shown a strong interest in pursuing advanced ICT skills, including computer programming, software development, and other specialized IT courses. This growing enthusiasm highlights the need for expanded training modules and partnerships with tech institutions, ensuring that visually impaired individuals can explore career opportunities in the ICT sector and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

www.gifec.gov.gh

• Ghana

• Youth
• Women
• Indigenous and nomadic peoples
• People with disabilities
• Remote and rural communities

By adapting the ICBVI programme to other local and rural communities across the country, we can bridge the digital divide and foster greater inclusion for visually impaired individuals. Many rural areas lack access to specialized training, assistive technologies, and digital literacy programs, which limits opportunities for visually impaired individuals to learn, work, and participate fully in society. Expanding this initiative will not only equip beneficiaries with essential digital skills but also empower them to become more independent, engage in education and employment, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

A structured approach that includes thorough community needs assessments, customized training, and progress monitoring will ensure that the programme effectively meets the unique challenges of each rural setting. Additionally, community involvement is key to its success. By engaging local educators, social workers, and advocacy groups, we can create a supportive ecosystem where visually impaired individuals can learn, share knowledge, and apply their skills in real-life scenarios.

Furthermore, sustainable partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, private-sector stakeholders, and technology companies will provide funding, assistive devices, and internet access to enhance the programme’s reach and impact. Establishing long-term collaborations will also help integrate the initiative into national development plans, ensuring its sustainability beyond the initial rollout phase.

To maximize impact, the programme can be implemented in Rural schools and vocational training centers with special education units, where existing infrastructure can support assistive learning for visually impaired students. Also, Community resource centers operated by NGOs or government social welfare departments, which often serve as hubs for social services, training, and outreach programs could be used to access tailored learning opportunities for the visually impaired.

1. Engaging Key Stakeholders for Funding and Resource Support
The ICBVI Initiative seeks to actively collaborate with local government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and corporate sponsors to secure the necessary funding and resources for programme implementation. By engaging these stakeholders, the initiative aims to ensure sustainable financial support, access to assistive technology, and policy backing that promotes digital inclusion for visually impaired individuals. These partnerships will help expand the reach and impact of the programme.

2. Establishing Strategic Partnerships with Technology Companies
To enhance digital accessibility for visually impaired beneficiaries, the ICBVI Initiative aims to build long-term collaborations with technology companies. These partnerships will facilitate the provision of assistive devices, adaptive software, and other digital tools essential for training participants. By leveraging corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and technology grants, the programme will ensure that beneficiaries have continued access to the latest assistive technologies, enabling them to thrive in academic, professional, and social environments.
Implementing a Train-the-Trainer Model for Sustainable Impact

3. Develop a train-the-trainer model
As part of its sustainability strategy, the ICBVI Initiative will introduce a train-the-trainer model, empowering successful programme graduates to become trainers themselves. This approach ensures continuous knowledge transfer, capacity building, and wider community impact. Graduates will be equipped with the skills and resources to mentor new participants, fostering an ongoing cycle of training and digital empowerment. Additionally, refresher courses and peer-support networks will be established to maintain high training standards and ensure long-term success.

This project strongly aligns with the WSIS values by fostering inclusiveness, a people-centered approach, and development-oriented digital empowerment in beneficiary communities. The ICBVI Initiative ensures that visually impaired individuals, who are often marginalized in the digital space, have equal access to ICT skills, bridging the digital divide and promoting social and economic participation. Rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges and aspirations of visually impaired teachers, students, social workers, and community members, the initiative delivers tailored, high-impact training designed to cultivate independence, self-sufficiency, and digital literacy. The program equips beneficiaries with essential ICT skills, laying the foundation for further learning in advanced IT fields such as programming. These three interconnected pillars contribute to digital inclusion, workforce development, and broader socio-economic growth of visually impaired individuals in Ghana.