Experiences of students with visual impairments at university of education, Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored experiences of students with visual impairments at the University of Education, Winneba. Thirty students with visual impairments were purposively sampled for the study. Focused group semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were coded and analyzed using thematic approach. Results of the study showed that the students with visual impairments were accepted and supported by their sighted peers in the university, which created friendship among them. However, the students indicated that they had fewer intimate friends due to lack of trust in their sighted colleagues. Although the students were fairly satisfied with the nature of assessment items and opportunity for alternative medium of assessment in the university, they believed that most lecturers did not have adequate knowledge on how to modify instruction in teaching students with visual impairments. It was further revealed that, the university library materials were not provided in accessible formats to promote accessibility of information. It was recommended that the Department of Special Education should periodically sensitize lecturers on how to modify instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Also, management of the university libraries should organise periodic training for students with visual impairments on the available electronic resources (e-resources) and how to retrieve them to their academic advantage.