Learning needs and coping strategies of visually impaired learners at Makerere University

Abstract

Globally, despite efforts to promote quality education, visually impaired learners, especially in higher institutions of learning, still face challenges, such as stigma and discrimination, lack of trained lecturers, lack of access to assistive devices, poor physical environment and lack of access to a friendly curriculum, which hinder their academic success. Although much has been written about the challenges of visually impaired learners in higher institutions of learning, a knowledge gap exists regarding the learning needs and the coping strategies of visually impaired learners. Therefore, this study explored the learning needs and coping strategies of visually impaired learners at Makerere University. Specifically, the study sought to understand their learning needs, experiences and coping strategies. This study adopted a case study design based on a qualitative approach to understand the life of visually impaired learners at Makerere University. Participants for this study who include visually impaired learners and key informant participants, were purposely selected. The data was collected using in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and documentary review, and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed the nature of the learning needs, which were: trained lecturers, access to assistive devices, a friendly curriculum and access to a friendly physical environment. Specifically, the study identifies stigma and discrimination, limited access to the physical environment, limited access to assistive devices, and lack of trained lecturers as the major obstacles to academic excellence. Furthermore, the study also reveals the different copying mechanisms that the visually impaired learners use to cope with the challenges they face, such as seeking peer support and being friendly. This research advocates for quality and inclusive education that caters to the needs of visually impaired learners, emphasizing the importance of trained lecturers, an inclusive curriculum and assistive materials and technology. This study also aims to educate stakeholders about the academic experience of visually impaired learners to enable them to come up with better solutions and practices that will help visually impaired learners excel in school.