College Teaching Certificate alumnus Kassahun Yebeltal Sahilu published "Blind and Visually Impaired Students and the Need for Digital Literacy in Higher Education" in the July 2026 issue of The Educator, published by the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI). His research explores the importance of digital literacy and assistive technology in supporting the academic success and inclusion of blind and visually impaired students.
Reflecting on his publication and the influence of his experience at George Mason, Sahilu shared:
My article, “Digital Literacy and Blind Students in Higher Education,” highlights the critical role of digital literacy and assistive technology in promoting the academic success and inclusion of blind students in higher education. Through the Graduate Certificate in College Teaching program, particularly Dr. Nate Sleeter’s course, Higher Education in the Digital Age, I gained a deeper understanding of the growing importance of digital literacy in higher education. This experience directly contributed to my interest in examining digital access and technology empowerment for blind students.
I am deeply grateful to George Mason University, including Dr. Nate Sleeter, Dr. Julie Owen, and Elizabeth Woodley, for their encouragement, guidance, and support. Their positive and motivating approach strengthened my academic confidence and inspired me to continue my research and pursue further publications.