Project Overview

The Indiana Blind Children’s Foundation (IBCF) is a philanthropic foundation that invests in children with visual impairments so each child will thrive in school and daily life. IBCF financially supports the unique work of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. In January 2021, IBCF received federal and private funding to tackle the challenge of building digital inclusion for Hoosier children who are blind or visually impaired. While the issue was not new, COVID-19 and remote learning made it more pressing. IBCF approached Mapt to help them chart a path to digital inclusion.

Our Approach

Mapt started by completing a thorough assessment of the existing student and staff technology experience at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Through staff and family surveys, inventory of the types of devices in circulation at the school, and research into the resources and support available to staff and students, Mapt was able to establish the current digital inclusion landscape at ISBVI. Mapt also researched how others solved or were working to solve the problem, looking at both inside and outside perspectives.

The Result

In the end, Mapt recommended a four-pronged approach to technology integration. It included establishing a pedagogical approach to technology, putting definition and context to the role technology will play in a student’s academic experience; implementing right-sized technical and functional support structures; empowering all stakeholders to become involved in developing new ways for students, staff and families to use and engage with technology as a part of the ISBVI experience; and building influence and reach statewide by introducing new technology-focused services for students, educators and families across Indiana. The plan has been instrumental in IBCF securing funds for full-time technology support at ISBVI, along with other digital inclusion needs.