Provision of support services for learners with low vision in selected regular Basic Schools in the Bibiani Anhwiaso-Bekwai-Muni

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the provision of support services for learners with low vision in basic schools in the Bbiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Munipality. The study, which was qualitative in nature, utilized the descriptive case study design with interview and observation as instruments for data collection. A sample of twenty-five participants were used comprising seven teachers and eighteen learners with low vision from a population of fifty comprising thirty-two teachers and eighteen learners with low vision. The themes were derived from the data and analyzed. Findings from the study revealed that the schools were not having sufficient material resources to meet the learning needs of learners with low vision. The few materials were useful to the learners with low vision. Moreover, the findings of the study revealed that regular teachers were the major resource persons available to the learners with low vision. However, they were not able to provide services as often as it should be. It was indicated that resource teachers were not attached to the regular teachers to render services to the learners with low vision. The findings again indicated that teachers were not able to provide instructional support to the learners with low vision frequently due to inadequate teaching and learning materials and limited time available. The findings further indicated that learners with low vision encountered many challenges such as academic challenges in reading and writing, social challenges with their sighted peers and challenges in physical locomotion which affected their learning needs and overall development. It was recommended that the schools should provide enough material resources to support learners with low vision to meet their learning needs. Again, the Municipal Education Office should provide schools with trained teachers who have knowledge in Special Education to accommodate learners with low vision in the regular schools. Finally, the learning environment, both class room and school compound should be adapted and equipped for free physical locomotion from place to place.