Abstract:
This study aimed at investigating the challenges and opportunities of students with low vision
at Gode city administration’s primary schools in Somali Regional State. The purpose was
specifically to find out challenges and opportunities of students with low vision. The study
employed qualitative case study design. To get the required information from the participants
about the research, 3 principals, and 1 supervisor were selected through available sampling
techniques for interview and 12 students with low vision were selected through available
sampling techniques for interview (hand writing), FGD ( transcribed and categorized) and
observation. Whereas 3 teachers were selected through purposive sampling for interview and
observation and 6 sighted students were selected through simple random sampling for
interview. Qualitative data was analyzed by narration and description. The findings revealed
that there were lack of Braille materials, specially trained teachers and instructional
materials suitable for low vision students, accessibility to computer or electronic devices,
resource and visual interpreter, The findings further showed that there was no orientation
and mobility for low vision learners and language ability of students with low vision
compared to sighted peers. On the other hand, the findings also showed that there was lack
of library service and regular meeting, based on the findings, the investigator recommends
that there is a need for the regional education office and different stakeholders to collaborate
and show their commitment in the provision of special need education by providing enough
and relevant materials for the learners with low vision; recruiting more teachers specialized
in special need education, provide teachers training concerned teaching learning process
with low vision students, holding regular meeting to follow up the needs and problems of
students, Teachers when conducting lesson should use verbal and written forms of
communication, school should give orientation and mobility training.
