The Somali Assistive Technology Institute (SATI) was officially opened in Somalia on 8 December 2025, marking a major milestone in advancing education and technology for people with visual impairments. Although the physical institute was launched on this date, SATI has been actively operating online since 2020, during which time it trained over one hundred visually impaired youth as well as non-visually impaired teachers who support and teach learners with visual impairments.
SATI was established to promote the development of knowledge and skills among people with visual impairments in Somalia. The institute is dedicated to improving access to quality education and modern assistive technologies that support learning, independence, and social inclusion for visually impaired individuals of all ages.
As the first institute of its kind in Somalia, SATI represents a significant step forward in strengthening technology, education, and vocational training for persons with visual impairments. The institute serves as a key platform for empowerment, enabling visually impaired people to actively participate in education, employment, and community life.
One of SATI’s core objectives is to support visually impaired youth by enhancing their skills and expanding opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through specialized training programs and access to assistive technologies, SATI helps beneficiaries build confidence, self-reliance, and dignity.
The event was attended by members of persons with disabilities (PWDs), organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and government representatives, including a former legislator and the Chairperson of the Somalia National Youth Council, reflecting broad stakeholder support and strong commitment to disability inclusion.
SATI places particular emphasis on programs for children with visual impairments, focusing on inclusive learning approaches and assistive technologies that make education more accessible and effective. These tools play a vital role in helping children learn more easily, remain engaged in school, and reach their full potential.
The establishment of SATI originated from an idea developed by scholars and experts within the visually impaired community, who identified a critical gap in Somalia’s education and service systems. Guided by clear institutional policies and operational procedures aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Somali National Disability Act, SATI calls on the Federal Government of Somalia, relevant ministries, and humanitarian organizations to support its growth through sustainable funding, partnerships, and inclusive policies to ensure long-term national impact.
 
