Gambia's First Blind Magistrate Navigates a System Designed for the Sighted

In Banjul, The Gambia, Magistrate Muhammed Krubally, the nation's first visually impaired magistrate, continues to break barriers in the legal field. Since his appointment in 2016, Krubally has presided over more than 1,000 civil and criminal cases, demonstrating that visual impairment is no obstacle to judicial excellence.

Krubally utilizes assistive technologies such as the JAWS screen reader and AI-enabled smart glasses to perform his duties effectively. These tools enable him to read documents, navigate his computer, and access information independently. In the courtroom, he relies on auditory cues and his clerk's assistance to manage proceedings.

His journey underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusion within professional environments traditionally designed for sighted individuals. Krubally's success serves as an inspiring example of overcoming systemic challenges through determination and the strategic use of technology.