Stories, insights & impact

Discover the latest from Umbi Labs. From product updates and community stories to research insights — stay informed about our mission to empower communication, learning, and independence for children with speech and language needs.

SoinsAvec is Here: Introducing Our Flagship Assistive Communication Platform
Product Launch
March 30, 2026
4 min read

SoinsAvec is Here: Introducing Our Flagship Assistive Communication Platform

After months of development and community testing, we're thrilled to announce SoinsAvec — our comprehensive platform designed specifically for children with speech and language impairments.

By James Riri

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Lessons From World Health Day 2026: Why Assistive Technology Access Matters for Children
Advocacy
2026-04-10
12 min read

Lessons From World Health Day 2026: Why Assistive Technology Access Matters for Children

This World Health Day, we're confronting an uncomfortable truth: thousands of children with speech and communication disabilities are locked out of education, not because of their abilities, but because of a missing bridge: access to assistive technology.

Wairimu Wa Mathai

By Wairimu Wa Mathai

What Research Tells Us About Personalized AAC and Speech Development
Research
March 25, 2026
10 min read

What Research Tells Us About Personalized AAC and Speech Development

Evidence from speech-language pathology research shows that personalized AAC systems significantly outperform generic approaches. Here's what the literature tells us and why it matters.

Mary Achieng

By Mary Achieng

Bringing SoinsAvec to Life: Our Live Labs Session at KBTA
Community Stories
March 17, 2026
12 min read

Bringing SoinsAvec to Life: Our Live Labs Session at KBTA

We tested SoinsAvec with real families, children, and SLPs in Nairobi through a Live Labs session at Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa. Here's what happened, what we learned, and why it changed everything.

Wairimu Wa Mathai

By Wairimu Wa Mathai

How Technology Helped Me Understand My Son Better
Community Stories
March 10, 2026
7 min read

How Technology Helped Me Understand My Son Better

A parent shares how using assistive communication tools changed her relationship with her son who has speech challenges.

NK

By Naomi Kipkemoi

Building Tools for Where We Work: Why Local Context Matters in Speech Therapy
Community Stories
Mar 5, 2026
12 min read

Building Tools for Where We Work: Why Local Context Matters in Speech Therapy

Speech-language pathologists across Kenya use apps designed for other markets. Those tools are excellent — but they're not built for our context. Here's what that gap means — and why we're building SoinsAvec.

Mary Achieng

By Mary Achieng

Understanding Dysarthria and Cerebral Palsy - A Guide for Parents and Educators
Education
Feb 26, 2026
8 min read

Understanding Dysarthria and Cerebral Palsy - A Guide for Parents and Educators

What is dysarthria? How does CP affect speech? We've created a comprehensive guide breaking down these conditions and explaining how assistive technology can help children thrive.

James Riri

By James Riri

How One Mother Advocated for Her Daughter's Communication Rights
Community Stories
Feb 18, 2026
7 min read

How One Mother Advocated for Her Daughter's Communication Rights

Mira's story is about persistence, love, and refusing to accept the limitations others placed on her daughter. It's a powerful reminder of why accessible assistive tech is so urgent.

NK

By Naomi Kipkemoi

The Cost of Access - Why Assistive Technology Is Sometimes Out of Reach
Advocacy
Feb 2, 2026
8 min read

The Cost of Access - Why Assistive Technology Is Sometimes Out of Reach

Effective AAC tools can cost thousands of dollars. We're exploring how to build sustainable solutions that don't require families to choose between food and communication.

Wairimu Wa Mathai

By Wairimu Wa Mathai

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