A Vision of Hope: How Accessible Technology is Rewriting Somalia’s Story
In 2016, I embarked on a journey that was both a return and a revelation. I travelled back to my home country, Somalia, with two interconnected missions: to reconnect with my beloved family and to champion the cause of accessible technology. What I witnessed on that trip was nothing short of a revolution—a quiet, digital awakening powered by the incredible work of NV-Access and its screen reader, NVDA. I saw first-hand how technology was not just changing lives, but changing the entire narrative of what is possible for blind and low-vision Somalis.
This story is deeply personal. It’s a testament to the resilience that runs in the veins of our people, a spirit that has always found a way to make dreams come to life. I am a product of that very notion.
A Personal Journey Forged in Resilience
The chaos of the 1992 war not only reshaped my country but also my world, as it was then that I lost my sight. In the face of unimaginable adversity, my mother, a pillar of unwavering strength, guided us on a path that eventually led to Australia. It was a new beginning, filled with challenges but also immense opportunity. Here, I was able to achieve massive wins, not just for myself, but for the disability community I am so proud to be a part of.
This journey from a war-torn Mogadishu to a life of advocacy in Melbourne instilled in me a profound belief: that with the right tools and an unconquerable spirit, any barrier can be overcome. This belief is the very foundation of my work and the reason my trip back to Somalia felt like coming full circle.
The Sound of Progress: Voices Across a Nation
The true impact of any technology isn’t measured in code or downloads, but in human stories. In Somalia, I had the privilege of speaking with so many people whose worlds have been opened up by NVDA.
From Household Management to Human Rights
I met Fatima, a young stay-at-home mother. Before NVDA, her world was largely confined to the four walls of her home. Today, she uses her computer to connect with friends and family, manage household affairs, and access a world of information online. The screen reader has given her a renewed sense of independence and connection to the global community.
Then there was Ali, a brilliant and determined human rights lawyer. For him, NVDA is not just a convenience; it is the tool of his trade. It gives him the ability to conduct legal research, draft compelling arguments, and correspond with international bodies on an equal footing with his sighted peers. He is on the front lines, fighting for justice, and free, accessible technology is his indispensable ally.
Empowering Every Facet of Society
These are just two examples. The change is sweeping across the country. I saw government officials using NVDA to serve their communities, DJs using it to manage their playlists and light up the airwaves, and students—driven and ambitious—using it to pursue their education all the way to the PhD level. The efforts of NV-Access have empowered a generation to contribute their talents in ways they could only have dreamed of before.
Shared Values, Shared Dreams: Our Mission at Accessible Technology Solutions
The philosophy behind NVDA resonates deeply with us at Accessible Technology Solutions. The notion of providing life-changing technology for free, ensuring that economic status is never a barrier to access, is a powerful act of community and solidarity. It’s a vision built on the idea of giving back, of empowering from the ground up.
We believe in this 100%. At Accessible Technology Solutions, we are incredibly proud of the entire NV-Access team and every single person on the ground in Somalia—the users, the advocates, the families—who are bringing this dream to life. Their work validates a core truth: accessibility isn’t a feature; it’s a fundamental human right.
Join the Movement: Your Turn to Make a Difference
I am, and will always be, super proud of my Somali heritage. Seeing my people embrace this technology with such passion and creativity has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. NVDA has already begun to transform Somalia into a magical place of possibility. But the work is not done. The mission to ensure digital access for all relies on continued support and development.
If you believe in a world where everyone, regardless of disability or income, has the tools to succeed, to create, and to “think different,” as Apple would say, I urge you to join this movement. Please consider making a donation to NV-Access. Every dollar counts and will go directly toward maintaining and improving this essential software, ensuring it remains free for Fatima, for Ali, and for millions more around the world.