International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology

Research Institute for Knowledge Content Development & Technology (건국대학교 지식콘텐츠연구소)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

A Framework to Promote Digital Inclusion for Students with Disabilities in Government-Funded Universities

  • Stephen Maina (Kirinyaga University) ;
  • Proscovia Svard (Records Management and Archival Studies, Department of History, Sorbonne University) ;
  • Naomi Mwai (Department of Information Science, Languages and Communication Studies, Technical University of Kenya)
  • Received : 2025.07.08
  • Accepted : 2025.09.07
  • Published : 2026.06.30
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

This study investigated digital inclusion for Students with Disabilities in government-funded universities in Kenya and proposed a framework to address existing gaps. A qualitative research design was employed, drawing on semi-structured interviews with thirty purposively selected librarians from six public universities: Kenyatta, Egerton, Maseno, South Eastern Kenya, the Technical University of Mombasa, and Garissa. NVivo software supported data management, while thematic analysis guided the identification of recurrent patterns. Findings indicate that, despite institutional efforts to promote inclusivity, systemic barriers persist. Policies on disability inclusion are inconsistently enforced, financial and infrastructural support remains insufficient, and available assistive technologies are outdated or poorly integrated. Limited provision of alternative content formats, underutilization of built-in accessibility features, inadequate user training, and weak feedback mechanisms undermine equitable access to digital library resources. These challenges demonstrate the need for a context-specific framework that strengthens monitoring and evaluation, enhances staff capacity, fosters interdepartmental collaboration, and ensures sustainable policy support. The study contributes to the literature on digital inclusion by moving beyond accessibility models to propose a framework rooted in empirical evidence from a resource-constrained context. Theoretically, it enriches understandings of how digital environments can both enable and hinder participation. At the policy level, it underscores the urgency of aligning institutional practices with global accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the Marrakesh Treaty. Practically, it offers librarians and university administrators actionable strategies for advancing equitable access, positioning them as key actors in fostering inclusive digital environments.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to sincerely acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the journal editors, peer reviewers, and editorial team for their constructive feedback throughout the publication process. Special thanks are extended to the Technical University of Kenya for institutional support during the conduct of this research.

References

  1. Abu Qaadan, A., Hamad, F., & Fakhouri, H. (2024). Facilitating digital accessibility for students with disabilities in information services at Jordanian academic libraries. Library Management.
  2. Abuya, E. O., & Githinji, J. W. (2022). Inclusion of visually impaired and deaf students in universities in Kenya: A call for action. Washington International Law Journal, 32(1), 1-21.
  3. Addai-Wireko, A., Nukpe, P., & Frimpong, A. D. (2020). Adaptive technology for supporting persons with disability in selected public academic libraries in Ghana. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-17.
  4. Agbabiaka, H. I., Olatunji, S. A., Saleh, M., Sodangi, A. B., & Muhammad, H. (2024). Students with disabilities (SWDs) and facilities accessibility in a northern Nigerian public university: Dismantling exclusion in achieving SDG4. Facilities.
  5. Akbar, A., Jabbar, A., Saleem, Q. U. A., & Ashiq, M. (2024). Access and use of digital information resources by students with vision impairment: Challenges, prospects, and the expected role of libraries. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 71(2), 189-207. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2022.2095356
  6. Alaban, A. (2024). Accessibility tools for students with disabilities in university libraries. Library Progress International, 44(1s), 17-32.
  7. Alabi, A. O., & Okiki, O. C. (2023). Assistive technologies (AT) preferences of people living with visual disability as information access tools in academic libraries. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development and Technology, 13(2), 25-41.
  8. Alu, A. A., & King, L. (2024). Disability policies to guide the provision of facilities, services, and resources to students with disabilities: The case of ten Ghanaian academic libraries. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 50(6), 102970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2024.102970
  9. Amponsah, S., & Bekele, T. A. (2023). Exploring strategies for including visually impaired students in online learning. Education and Information Technologies, 28(8), 9355-9377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11145-x
  10. Arbale, H., & Mutisya, D. N. (2024). Book review: Research methods for business students by Mark N. K. Saunders, Philip Lewis, and Adrian Thornhill (Pearson Education, 2019). African Quarterly Social Science Review, 1(2), 8-21. https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.1.2.2
  11. Armour, C. D. (2023). Reimagining inclusion in higher education: Learning from the experiences of US students with dis/abilities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (Doctoral dissertation). University of Iowa.
  12. Arora, R. (2023). Access of students with disabilities (SWDs) to higher education in India with special reference to Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. Indian Journal of Public Administration, 69(2), 360-371. https://doi.org/10.1177/00195561231154387
  13. Assanbayev, A., & Makoelle, T. M. (2024). Practices promoting the inclusion of adult students with disabilities in the classroom: A case of a technical vocational education and training college in Kazakhstan. Education Sciences, 14(5), 529. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050529
  14. Ayeni, O. O., Unachukwu, C. C., Osawaru, B., Chisom, O. N., & Adewus, O. E. (2024). Innovations in STEM education for students with disabilities: A critical examination. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 11(1), 1797-1809. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra
  15. Ayoung, D. A., Baada, F. N. A., & Baayel, P. (2021). Access to library services and facilities by persons with disability: Insights from academic libraries in Ghana. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 53(1), 167-180. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000620917723
  16. Babarinde, B. F., & Onifade, F. (2020). Provision of library resources and services to visually impaired students at Oyo State School for the Blind, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-18.
  17. Beyene, W. M., Mekonnen, A. T., & Giannoumis, G. A. (2023). Inclusion, access, and accessibility of educational resources in higher education institutions: Exploring the Ethiopian context. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 27(1), 18-34. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1817580
  18. Bilyalova, A., Bazarova, L., Salimova, D., & Patenko, G. (2021). The digital educational environment: The problem of its accessibility for visually impaired students. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 16(16), 221-229. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i16.23453
  19. Butalanyi, R. K., Kafu, P. A., & Limo, A. (2020). Institutional readiness for access to higher education by students with disabilities in public universities in Kenya. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-15.
  20. Calaycay, C. (2024). Addressing individual needs: Supporting learners with learning disabilities. Nexus International Journal of Science and Education, 1(2), 55-67.
  21. Cherotich, C., Cheptoo, K. P., & Obare, R. M. (2024). Challenges in accessing digital resources among visually impaired students at the University of Nairobi Library. Information Development.
  22. Commission for University Education (CUE). (2014). University standards and guidelines. Nairobi: CUE.
  23. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage.
  24. Dabi, G. K., & Golga, D. N. (2024). Availability, awareness, and utilization of assistive technologies among students with visual impairment: The case of Haramaya University, Ethiopia. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 42(1), 177-192. https://doi.org/10.1177/02646196221124420
  25. Ditlhale, T. W., & Johnson, L. R. (2022). Assistive technologies as an ODeL strategy for promoting support for students with disabilities. Technology and Disability, 34(3), 153-163. https://doi.org/10.3233/TAD-220376
  26. Dubey, U. K. B., & Kothari, D. P. (2022). Research methodology: Techniques and trends. CRC Press.
  27. Duplaga, M. (2017). Digital divide among people with disabilities: Analysis of data from a nationwide study for determinants of internet use and activities performed online. PLOS ONE, 12(6), e0179825. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179825
  28. Emong, P., & Zeyen, A. (2023). Exploring equality and non-discrimination of disabled students in policy and practice in public universities in Uganda. In D. P. Baker & M. L. Wehmeyer (Eds.) Research handbook on disability policy (pp. 421-436). Edward Elgar Publishing.
  29. Fenta, H. B., Lake, T. T., & Yemata, B. A. (2023). Regulatory framework of e-learning integration with inclusive higher education in Ethiopia: The case of students with disabilities. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 27(12), 1297-1315. https://doi.org/10.14507/MCF-eLi.J11
  30. Ferrara, L. (2024). Library staff's understanding of attitudinal barriers experienced by individuals with disabilities in libraries. Reference Services Review, 52(1), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-03-2023-0033
  31. Ferri, D. (2024). The Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled in the European Union: Reflecting on its implementation and gauging its impact from a disability perspective. IIC—International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law, 55(1), 89-109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40319-023-01410-y
  32. Government of Kenya (GoK). (2021). Status report on disability inclusion in Kenya, 2021: Implementing the Global Disability Summit commitments 2018. Nairobi: Government of Kenya.
  33. Hamad, F. (2023). Digital inclusion of students with disabilities in digital information services at academic libraries: The University of Jordan case. The Library Quarterly, 93(3), 313-332. https://doi.org/10.1086/725067
  34. Hamad, F., Al-Fadel, M., & Shehata, A. M. K. (2024). The level of digital competencies for the provision of smart information services at academic libraries in Jordan. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, 73(4/5), 614-633. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-06-2022-0131
  35. Hendren, K., Newcomer, K., Pandey, S. K., Smith, M., & Sumner, N. (2023). How can qualitative research methods be leveraged to strengthen mixed methods research in public policy and public administration? Public Administration Review, 83(3), 468-485. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.v83.3
  36. Johnson, M. W., & Abumeeiz, S. (2023). The limits of inclusion in open access: Accessible access, universal design, and open educational resources. Journal of Librarianship and Scholarly Communication, 11(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.31274/jlsc.14399
  37. Kaaniru, J. (2023). AI assistive technologies (ATs) for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Africa. Nairobi, Kenya: Strathmore University, Centre for Intellectual Property and Technology Law (CIPIT).
  38. Karanja, D. N., Musyoka-Kamere, I., & Wawire, V. (2021). Inclusive education policy and its influence on the academic participation of students with disabilities in selected public universities in Kenya. International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding, 8(11), 623-637.
  39. Karunarathna, I., Gunasena, P., Hapuarachchi, T., & Gunathilake, S. (2024). The crucial role of data collection in research: Techniques, challenges, and best practices. Uva Clinical Research, 1, 1-24.
  40. Khakali, R. B. (2021). Institutional readiness for access to higher education by students with disabilities in public universities in Kenya (Doctoral dissertation). University of Eldoret.
  41. Kiambati, F. G., Juma, S. W., & Wawire, B. A. (2024). Accessibility of digital systems in information retrieval by users with visual impairment. Quality Assurance in Education, 32(2), 197-214. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-08-2023-0136
  42. Kiruki, B. W., & Mutula, S. M. (2021). Accessibility and usability of library websites to students with visual and physical disabilities in public universities in Kenya. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development and Technology, 11(2), 55-75. https://doi.org/10.5865/IJKCT.2021.11.2.055
  43. Kiruki, B. W., & Mutula, S. M. (2023). Information and communication technology (ICT) use for information access by visually and physically impaired persons in public university libraries in Kenya. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development and Technology, 13(1), 1-20.
  44. Kisanga, S. E., & Kisanga, D. H. (2022). The role of assistive technology devices in fostering the participation and learning of students with visual impairment in higher education institutions in Tanzania. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(7), 791-800. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2020.1817989
  45. Kulekpo, B. K. (2021). Library access and use for users with special needs at the University of Education, Winneba (Doctoral dissertation). University of Ghana.
  46. Kumari, S. K. V., Lavanya, K., Vidhya, V., Premila, G. A. D. J. S., & Lawrence, B. (2023). Research methodology (Vol. 1). Chennai: Darshan Publishers.
  47. Kwao, L., Yang, Y., Zou, J., & Ma, J. (2025). A survey of approaches to early rumor detection on microblogging platforms: Computational and socio-psychological insights. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 15(1), e70001.
  48. Law, S. K. (2023). Barriers experienced by individuals with IDD when interacting with digital technology and online content. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 27(3), 321-339.
  49. Luvale, B. N. (2022). Institutional policies for persons living with disabilities in accessing information resources at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Library (Doctoral dissertation).
  50. Luvale, B. N. (2025). Digital literacy skills for students with visual and hearing impairments in Kenyan public universities. Library Hi Tech News, 42(3), 25-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-10-2024-0190
  51. Mane, V. S. (2024). Development of tribal people through digital awareness: Exploring the intersection of libraries, technology, and gender equality in the digital age. Journal of Digital and Social Inclusion, 5(2), 45-63.
  52. Menzli, L. J., Smirani, L. K., Boulahia, J. A., & Hadjouni, M. (2022). Investigation of open educational resources adoption in higher education using Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory. Heliyon, 8(7), e09876. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09885
  53. Meydan, C. H., & Akkaş, H. (2024). The role of triangulation in qualitative research: Converging perspectives. In H. Akkaş & C. H. Meydan (Eds.), Principles of conducting qualitative research in multicultural settings (pp. 98-129). IGI Global.
  54. Morris, F. (2024). Universal design and assistive digital technologies: Enhancing inclusion of persons with disabilities. In F. Morris (Ed.) The Palgrave handbook of everyday digital life (pp. 283-305). Springer.
  55. Mosha, N. F. (2025). The role of artificial intelligence tools in enhancing accessibility and usability of electronic resources in academic libraries. Library Management. Advance online publication.
  56. Musa, S. B. (2022). Factors affecting students with special needs' use of digital resources in libraries: The case of students at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi. Career Point International Journal of Research, 3(1), 10-21.
  57. Mutia, F., & Cahyani, I. R. (2021). Assistive technology to enhance access to information for students with disabilities: A case study in Surabaya. Khizanah al-Hikmah: Jurnal Ilmu Perpustakaan, Informasi, dan Kearsipan, 9(1), 16-27. https://doi.org/10.24252/v9i1a3
  58. Mwantimwa, K. (2021). Exploring the usage of assistive technology resources by students with disabilities. Journal of Disability Studies, 7(1), 38-47.
  59. Nazim, M., & Husain, S. (2023). Digital inclusivity: Role of academic libraries in providing information access to users with disabilities. Library Hi Tech News, 40(6), 16-20.
  60. Nzivo, C. N., & Wanjiru, M. (2023). Exploring accessibility and inclusivity of academic library services in Kenya: A case study of Machakos University. Library Management, 44(8/9), 699-714.
  61. Othman, A. K., & Al Mutawaa, N. (2023). Towards inclusive academic libraries: The role of assistive technologies in serving users with disabilities in Kuwait. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, 72(6/7), 545-561.
  62. Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  63. Roberts, K., & Ferrall, C. (2022). Building inclusive digital library services: Perspectives from library staff in Canada. Library Management, 43(4/5), 321-336.
  64. Salahuddin, M. (2022). Accessibility of e-resources in university libraries for students with disabilities: A study in Bangladesh. International Journal of Library and Information Studies, 12(2), 45-58.
  65. Smadi, H. (2022). Digital library services and accessibility for students with disabilities: A Jordanian case study. Library Philosophy and Practice, 2022, 1-20.
  66. The National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD). (2024). Disability landscape analysis: A comprehensive landscape analysis of disability at the county and national levels in Kenya for informed policy and full societal inclusion. Nairobi: NCPWD.
  67. Tugli, A. K., & Makhubele, J. C. (2022). Accessibility of library services to students with disabilities in South African universities. African Journal of Disability, 11(1), 1-9.
  68. Vincent, J. (2024). Making the library accessible for all: A practical guide for librarians (No. 81). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
  69. Wang, X., & Si, L. (2024). Digital literacy and inclusion in Chinese libraries: Policies and practices for users with disabilities. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 50(2), 102-119.
  70. Were, E., Rono, J., & Koech, P. (2022). Information provision to the visually impaired in academic libraries: A Kenyan perspective on the Marrakesh Treaty. Library Management, 43(8/9), 621-635.
  71. Zaid, Y. A., AlHamad, A. Q., & Alqaryouti, I. A. (2024). Digital accessibility in higher education: A systematic review of inclusive practices in academic libraries. Education and Information Technologies, 29(3), 2541-2563.