The impact of digital empowerment training on the awareness of assistive technologies and digital competence skills among students with visual impairment.

In Ethiopia, as in many other Sub-Saharan African countries, students with visual impairments entering higher education institutions often have limited knowledge of assistive technologies(ATs) customised to their needs and lack the necessary skills to effectively use these tools. This study examines the impact of Digital Empowerment Training (DET) program on the awareness ATs and digital competence skills (DCSs) among students with visual impairment at a higher education institution in Ethiopia. To verify two hypotheses related to AT awareness and DCSs of students, the study utilised mixed-methods sequential explanatory design with single group pre-test post-test pre-experimental design for the quantitative study and phenomenological design for the qualitative study. Pre-test and post-test quantitative data were collected from 36 students through interviewer-administered questionnaire and were analysed through matched pair sample t-test; and qualitative data were collected from four students through semi-structured interview guide and were analysed thematically. The results from both quantitative and qualitative analyses confirmed significant improvements in AT awareness after the intervention program, with students expanding their knowledge from recognising few AT types initially to identifying a broad range of ATs. Additionally, significant gains in digital competence skills were observed across various dimensions, supported by both quantitative analyses and qualitative reflections. The findings provide important implications for educational practices and policy highlights and for further research investigations.