CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF STUDENTS WITH LOW VISION IN SPECIAL CLASSES AT GODE CITY ADMINISTRATION PRIMARY SCHOOLS, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE

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.