ACADEMIC CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT PROVISION OF STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION: THE CASE OF HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The Purpose of this study was to investigate academic challenges and support provision of students with visual impairments in higher education institution at Haramaya University. The researcher used explanatory sequential mixed method design. The study was carried outin Haramaya Universityat the three colleges including college of Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, and College of Education and Behavioral Science that students with visual impairment join in. The target population was 116 respondents who included head of department, lecturers, experts of special needs education, learners with visual impairments and sighted learners. A sample size of 72 respondents was obtained through the use of purposive sampling, simple random sampling and available sampling. Questionnaires, interview and observation guides were used to collect data. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings showthat around 80% of respondents confirmed that the method of teaching was not flexible, because of lack of training teachers on SNE. Learning resources were not well equipped in lab, library as well as classes to meet the needs of students with visual impairment. The University should promoting lecturers training and providing support to students with VI.