Factors Affecting The Performance Of Learners With Low Vision In Isiolo Central Division, Isoilo District- Kenya

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to find out factors affecting the education of children with low vision

in the Central division ofisiolo district.

The researcher was interested in finding out the views of different people towards the education

of children with low vision in the area, therefore qualitative approach was employed to collect

data.

The researcher chose Headteachers, teachers, parents and visually impaired children as sample

population because through them relevant and appropriate information would be obtained.

The researcher also used interview and questionnaire as research instruments. Interview guides

were used to collect data from parents and d children with low vision because it enabled the

researcher to make clarifications on some views given and make possible adjustments depending

on their moods and needs. Headteachers and teachers were given questionnaires because they

were assumed literate enough to handle these instruments

The findings pointed out that although the children and their parents have positive attitudes

towards their education although the poor performance of low vision children was greatly

attributed to poor parental participation and poor attitude of teachers and administration. There

are a number of challenges affecting the education of low vision children in the division and

hopefully beyond.

These include:

►Poor social economic status of their families

►Poor academic performance

►Labeling.

►Poor/bad peer groupings

►Ancient cultural beliefs

►Lack of self motivation and zeal in learning

►Poor teacher-pupil relationship

iv

The researcher therefore recommended that:

•Organization of meetings for parents and teachers to interact.

•Guiding and counseling low vision children by qualified personnel.

•The community to be sensitized on the value oflow vision children.

•Possible ways of eradicating poverty in families especially those with visually impaired children.