Factors Affecting The Academic Performance Of Learners With Visual Impairment In Butagaya Sub-County - Jinja District.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors that affect the academic

progress of learners with visual impairment in Butagaya Sub-county, Jinja District.

The specific objectives of the study were to; find out the causes of visual impairments, identify challenges facing the academic progress of children with visual impairment and suggest alternative ways of helping learners with visual impairment. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires for head teachers and teachers and interview guide for the parents and learners.

The study revealed by 81%, that there was need to train more teachers to handle

learners with visual problems because most respondents complained that most schools do not have special teachers to handle visual problems.

The most common cause of visual impairment was accidents which was revealed by

68% of the respondents, sensitization to reduce abusive language was 87% and then need for guidance and counseling services needed was also mentioned by 87%. Followed by methods of teaching which suits learners with visual impairment which was 73%. The study revealed that trainings of more teachers specifically for handling visually impaired learners in schools will reduce inferiority complex, stigmatization and will enhance leaking among learners. The study recommends that; teachers need to be trained specifically to handle visually impaired learners in all schools, stakeholders to be sensitized on visual cases in schools and plan accordingly. Ministry of Education and Sports to put up more training centres

for special education and the government to provide appropriate learning materials for visually impaired. However schools should provide guidance and counselling sessions to sighted learners and parents including community about visual problems and lastly low vision curriculum to be incorporated into the entire orientation and mobility programmes.