CHALLENGES OF INCLUSIVE SCHOOLING ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AT MUNALI BOY’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, ZAMBIA

This manuscript is about challenges of inclusive education on academic performance of students with visual impairment at Munali Boy’s Secondary School. The objectives of the study were to find out the attitude of teachers and sighted students towards the inclusion of students with visual impairment into regular classes. It also sought to examine the academic performance of performance of students with visual impairment in inclusive settings. It further wanted to establish subjects in which students with visual impairment face difficulties. A descriptive survey design was adopted in which 42 participants were purposively selected. The study revealed that, although teachers and sighted students have a fair understanding of inclusive schooling, they give positive attention to students with visual impairment. It also revealed that students with visual impairment face academic challenges at Munali Boys’ which include teachers’ inability to use embossed teaching and learning aids during lesson, lack of individualised attention, mobility challenges, and their pace of teaching does not support the learning of students with visual impairment. The study established that although, inclusive education is fully accepted at Munali Boy’s Secondary School, students with visual impairment are not included in mathematics and sciences related subjects. Article visualizations

ACCESS TO LIBRARY FACILITIES AND RESOURCES BY STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AT UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA.

This case study focused on how students with visual impairment access library facilities and resources at the University of Education, Winneba. Data were gathered through focus group interviews from 48 out of 99 undergraduate students with visual impairment. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants for the study. Data were analyzed thematically using color coding for the categorization of themes. The results indicated that students with visual impairment had some difficulties accessing the physical infrastructure of the libraries. It was revealed that learning materials of the University libraries were not in accessible formats, and the braille library only produced chapters of books for students with visual impairment. The results further indicated that students with visual impairment in the University wanted the management of the University to purchase assistive devices for them for personal and independent use. The study recommended that the management of the University’s libraries should ensure the provision of more technological devices that will produce learning materials in accessible formats for students with visual impairment to promote the use of library resources

PROVISION OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES TO STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA, GHANA

Abstract Assistive technologies are tools used to promote access to information and general education curriculum for students with visual impairment. For students with visual impairment access to a diversity of high and low-tech assistive technologies, including screen readers, magnifiers, electronic braillers, braille n’ print, assist students in accessing materials in a standard print format which are not available to them. Provision of assistive technologies is to “level the playing field”, in conformity with the social model of disability where emphasizes is placed on physical and social barriers experienced by students with visual impairment and considers the problem as a society rather than persons with disability. This study focused on the provision of assistive technologies in academic libraries to students with visual impairment to ensure prompt access to relevant and timely information for academic work. Access to information has become increasingly important as society has become information - driven. Information can be transmitted electronically or provided in alternative formats for students with visual impairment. Descriptive research design utilizing the case study approach was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting students with visual impairment from level 100 to 400 offering different programmes. Simple stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting 50 visually impaired students from level 100-400 representing 22 male and 8 female, bringing the total sample size to 30. The outcome of the study revealed that students with visual impairment find it difficult to access relevant information for academic work, due to unavailability of assistive technologies in the library and its attendant professionals, and no alternative service for students with visual impairment. Recommendations were made to promulgate policies, undertake staff training and purchase the various assistive technologies to enable students with visual impairment access relevant information timely for academic work

Instructional Design for Students with Visual Impairments in English Learning

Mastering English has become one important skill for students in higher education, especially in university level. As the impact, every university provides English program for students in the faculty or language center. However, not every student can master English fast, for example: students with visual impairments. Students with visual impairment are a group of students who have visual problem; either it is low vision or blind. Students with visual impairment need different approach in learning English. This condition motivates lectures to adapt specific instructional design to support classroom activities. There are 4 important components in designing instructional design for students with visual impairment, such as students' characteristics, learning objective, method and assessment. The design should be adapted to fully support their inclusion in the classroom. By designing instructional design for students with visual impairments, it is expected that they will be able to comprehend the material and to increase their motivation in learning English. This paper aimed to understand appropriate instructional design for students with visual impairment. This paper also provides study cases in Inclusion English Class at university level where students with visual impairment and sighted students study at the same classroom. By discussing this issue, it is expected that every lecture recognize basic characteristics of students with visual impairment and choose the appropriate instructional design to accommodate all character of students

Sport resilience in students with visual impairment

Salah satu faktor siswa tunanetra dapat disebabkan sejak lahir. Siswa tunenetra kurang mendapatkan kesempatan terlibat dalam berbagai aspek dalam kehidupan, khususnya dalam kegiatan olahraga. Walaupun siswa tunantera tetap mengikuti kegiatan olahraga, bagaimana resiliensi mereka agar tetap mengikuti kegiatan olahhraga. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui resiliensi siswa tunanetra dari lahir dalam berolahraga di Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB). Metode penelitian yang digunakan melalui pendekatan kualitatif dengan studi kasus. Partisipan terdiri dari kepala sekolah, wakil kepala sekolah, guru pendidikan jasmani, guru kelas, dan 2 siswa tunanetra dari lahir di SLB Negeri A Citereup Kota Cimahi, sehingga partisipan yang terlibat sebanyak 5 orang partisipan. Instrummen penelitian menggunakan wawancara dan observasi. Analisi data di bantu dengan menggunakan aplikasi NVivo 12 Plus. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa resiliensi siswa tunanetra dalam kegiatan olahraga hanya sebatas mengikuti instruksi dan tidak memenuhi rekomendasi aktivitas fisik. Untuk menjaga agar siswa tunanetra mau berolahraga dengan memberikan nasihat, motivasi, bimbingan konseling secara individu, dan melakukan kegiatan olahraga di waktu luang.One of the factors causing visual impairments (disabilities) is physical deficiencies from birth. Students with visual disabilities do not have the same opportunity to be involved in many life activities including in sports activities. Students with visual disabilities can still participate in sports and their resilience to keep participating is important to be studied. The purpose of this study is to determine the Sport resilience of students with visual impairment in special schools (SLB). The research method used is qualitative approach with case studies. Participants consist of the principal, deputy principal, physical education teacher, classroom teacher, and 2 students with visual impairment in SLB Negeri A Citereup Cimahi. The total participants are 5 people. The research instruments are interviews and observations. Data analysis is assisted by NVivo 12 Plus application. The result of the study shows that sport resilience in students with visual impairment is inadequate because they only follow the instructions and do not obey physical activity recommendations. To improve their willingness participating in physical exercise, several methods can be applied are delivering positive advice and enthusiasm, providing individual counseling, and encouraging them to do exercise in their spare time

Assistive technology, self-esteem and home factors as predictors of social adjustment of students with visual impairment in Lagos State, Nigeria

It has been observed that students with visual impairment often have wrong adjustment which has been affecting their wholesome personality and in particular, social adjustment. Previous studies have not adequately addressed their social adjustment. This study, therefore examined assistive technology, self-esteem and home factors as predictors of social adjustment among students with visual impairment in Lagos state, Nigeria.The study adopted survey research design of ex-post facto type. Purposive sampling technique was used to select one hundred (100) students with visual impairment. The selected students were drawn from two mainstream secondary schools and two rehabilitation centers in Lagos state. Nigeria. A structured questionnaire consisting of standardized scale such as Assistive Technology Usage scale, self-esteem scale, home factors and social adjustment scale were used to gather data in this study. Data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage and multiple regression statistical tools, and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that assistive technology usage, self-esteem and home factors (family background, parent's socio-economic status and parent educational background) had significant joint influence on social adjustment of students with visual impairment in Lagos state, Nigeria (F(5.94)= 10.992; p<0.05). Also, the result indicated that assistive technology usage and self-esteem had significant independent contribution to social adjustment of students with visual impairment (β=0.580; t=5.895; p<0.05. p=-0.556; t = 6.193; p<0.05) while family background, parent's socio-economic status and parent educational backgroundhad no significant independent contribution to social adjustmentamong students with visual impairment in Lagos state, Nigeria. Assistive technology usage, self-esteem and home factors positively and jointly predicted social adjustment of students with visual impairment. Therefore parents, social workers, rehabilitation officers and government workers working with students with visual impairment should take cognisance of the impact of assistive technology usage, self-esteem and home factors in order to enhance the social adjustment of students with visual impairment.Keywords: Assistive Technology, self-esteem, home, social adjustment, visual impairmen

Influence of self-concept and social acceptance on academic achievement of students with visual impairment in Oyo State, Nigeria

Students with visual impairment do experience discrimination, stigmatization, neglect and isolation from significant others around them. These unsavory experiences do have significant impact on their normal learning process. Although several studies have been conducted on the teaching and learning of students with visual impairment, little or no attention is paid to the impact of certain factors affecting their academic achievement. This study, therefore, examined the influence of self-concept and social acceptance on academic achievement of students with visual impairment in Oyo state. Using descriptive research design of correlational type, twenty-seven students with visual impairment were selected using enumerative sampling technique from junior secondary schools in Oyo State. A structured questionnaire having three research instruments were used for data collection: Self-concept Scale for Blind Adolescents (r = 0.82), Social Acceptance Scale (r = 0.72) and Academic Achievement Test (r = 0.75). Two hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. Data obtained were analysed using Pearson product moment correlation statistics. The results indicated that there was significant relationship between academic achievement and self-concept of students with visual impairment in Oyo state (r = 0.21; P < .05) and social acceptance and academic achievement of students with visual impairment in Oyo state (r = 0.36; P< .05). Based on the findings, recommendations were made that parents of children with visual impairment should treat all children equally with their sighted peers to improve their self-concept which will impact positively on their academic achievement in school, special educators should be given methodological guidance in order to work on this throughout the educational process for students with visual impairment to enhance their academic achievement.Keywords: Self-concept, Social acceptance, Academic achievement, Visual impairmen

ICT Utilization As Correlates Of Academic Performance Among Students With Visual Impairment In Lagos State, Nigeria

Vision, an essential part of human existence plays vital roles in the life of an individual and any hindrance to vision resulting in total or partial loss of sight creates difficulties in understanding the world around such an individual. The problem associated with academic performance of students with visual impairment has a number of indicators which have not received adequate attention from researchers in special education. This study therefore, examined the relationship of information and communication technology (ICT) utilisation on academic performance of students with visual impairment in Lagos State. The objectives of the study were to identify ICT tools, level of ICT utilisation as well as their relationship to academic .performance among students with visual impairment. Using descriptive research design of correlational type, twenty eight students with visual impairment were selected using purposive sampling technique from two special schools located within Lagos state. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents and data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson product moment correlation statistics. Two research questions were raised while one hypothesis was generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated that there was significant relationship between information and communication technology utilisation and academic performance of students with visual impairment in Lagos state (r = .536, P< .05). Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that schools should adopt appropriate ICT tools that will enhance academic performance of students with visual impairment and to include ICT training skills in the curriculum of special schools

Bottle neck to the effective use of academic library among students with visual impairment in tertiary institution in Oyo State

Over the years, academic libraries have contributed in no small measure to the paradigm shift in Nigeria higher institution of learning from being teaching-centered to learning-centered. It is regarded as the centre of information reservoir, knowledge, skills and adds values to users. The effective utilisation of academic libraries by students with visual impairment was observed to be fundamental so as to bridge all the gaps that exist between students with visual impairment and the academic library. Therefore, this paper seeks to examine bottlenecks to effective use of academic library among students with visual impairment using tertiary institutions in Oyo state as case study. The finding reveals that library environment, library physical structure is the major factors that affect library effective utilisation among visually impaired in the study. It was also discovered that students with visual impairment are confronted with lots of challenges in accessing and using the academic library services. The result also shows that library personnel serve as impediment to effective utilisation of library by students with visual impairment. The study therefore recommends that academic libraries should be well equipped with information resources which are in Braille and large print as well as assistive equipment which enables students with visual impairments to access information independently. Keywords: Bottle Neck, Academic, Visual Impairment, Librar