Digital empowerment of undergraduate students with vision disability

The digital transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide has played a significant role in enhancing their competitiveness, with many integrating emerging information technologies into their systems. This study explores how HEIs are working to digitally empower students with vision impairments and how such efforts influence these students’ transition into higher education. Using semi-structured interviews with 18 participants from two universities, the research employed thematic analysis to uncover key insights. The results revealed a range of strategies adopted by universities to support students with vision disabilities, emphasizing the critical role of both social support networks and ongoing professional development in strengthening students’ digital skills. However, the study also found that university portals often fall short in meeting the needs of visually impaired students. These findings suggest the need for further research, particularly in examining and comparing legislation related to the digital inclusion and empowerment of students with vision impairments.