EFFECTIVENESS OF ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR PUPILS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN BASIC SCHOOLS IN GHANA

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of orientation and

mobility (O&M) training programme for pupils with visual impairment in

basic schools in Ghana with particular reference to Akropong and Wa Schools

for the Blind in the Eastern and Upper West Regions respectively. The study

employed qualitative approaches in getting the relevant data using the

descriptive qualitative design to satisfy the purpose and objectives of the

study. In all, 18 respondents were selected purposively for the study. In-depth

interviews and observations were also conducted to elicit qualitative data

Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse the data collected from the

survey. The study revealed that O&M training programmes in the schools are

not as effective as they are supposed to be and as a result, pupils of the two

Schools for the Blind in Ghana are unable to use the white cane technique, the

independent travelling technique and the sighted guide effectively. The major

challenges in the Schools for the Blind include lack of teachers or specialist

to train the pupils, lack of white canes, poor environmental conditions,

stigmatisation and limited time for O&M training. Recommendation such as

training of O&M specialists, ensuring improved environmental conditions in

the schools for the blind, curriculum modification, provision of enough white

canes, and public sensitisation on stigmatisation against pupils with visual

impairment.