This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, Kenyans have been finding innovative ways to adapt to the new reality. One such innovator is Sheila Lutta, a special needs rights advocate who has designed a see-through mask to help the deaf communicate through lip-reading.
According to Lutta, the mask has a transparent opening in the mouth area, allowing individuals to see the lips while communicating. This design comes in handy for hearing-impaired persons who rely on lip-reading to understand spoken language.
Lutta has partnered with the Kenya Christian School for the Deaf to mass-produce the masks, which are available at an affordable price of Ksh150. The masks are designed to be comfortable and prevent clouding, thanks to a ventilation system that was introduced after the first design was criticized for its flaws.
Chris Okello, a representative from the Kenya Christian School for the Deaf, noted that a portion of the cost of the masks goes to volunteers at the school, who earn Ksh70 per piece. This initiative aims to provide a sustainable income source for the graduates who are struggling to find employment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a wave of creativity among Kenyans, with many individuals and organizations developing innovative solutions to address the crisis. From locally made ventilators to hospital beds and contact tracing apps, the Kenyan community is coming together to find ways to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
Published on July 16, 2020
