Challenges in Education for Visually Impaired Children in Ghana: A Path to Inclusion

This study examined children with visual impairments (CwVI) satisfaction with school facilities, CwVIs’ reasons for their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with school facilities, and steps to enhance their inclusion in teaching and learning. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (EST...

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Main Authors: Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi, Frank Kyei-Arthur, Theophilus Kwabena Abutima, Ada Adoley Allotey, Henry Afrifa, Evans Sakyi-Boadu, Kwame S. Sakyi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Series:International Journal of Pediatrics
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/ijpe/6653071
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author Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi
Frank Kyei-Arthur
Theophilus Kwabena Abutima
Ada Adoley Allotey
Henry Afrifa
Evans Sakyi-Boadu
Kwame S. Sakyi
author_facet Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi
Frank Kyei-Arthur
Theophilus Kwabena Abutima
Ada Adoley Allotey
Henry Afrifa
Evans Sakyi-Boadu
Kwame S. Sakyi
author_sort Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi
collection DOAJ
description This study examined children with visual impairments (CwVI) satisfaction with school facilities, CwVIs’ reasons for their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with school facilities, and steps to enhance their inclusion in teaching and learning. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (EST) (1979), the study employed a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 288 CwVIs, 73 key informant interviews (KIIs), 14 focus group discussions (FGDs), observations, and documentary reviews to complement the findings. The results revealed that 60.8% of CwVIs were satisfied with their school facilities, while 39.1% were dissatisfied. Key factors contributing to satisfaction included the suitability of the school compound and classroom furniture arrangement, which minimized accidents. In contrast, unsafe compounds, overcrowded classrooms, and poorly arranged furniture disrupted navigation and participation, exposing vulnerabilities in their learning environment. The findings highlighted the vital role of family and community involvement in fostering inclusive attitudes and advocating for infrastructure and resource improvements. Families actively supporting these efforts can significantly enhance support systems for CwVIs. The study underscores the need for collaboration between families and schools to build cohesive support networks that address the academic and social needs of CwVIs, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
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spelling doaj-art-418c1d40b35c44bbbbdb65ee4e2baed22025-08-20T03:12:50ZengWileyInternational Journal of Pediatrics1687-97592025-01-01202510.1155/ijpe/6653071Challenges in Education for Visually Impaired Children in Ghana: A Path to InclusionSylvester Kyei-Gyamfi0Frank Kyei-Arthur1Theophilus Kwabena Abutima2Ada Adoley Allotey3Henry Afrifa4Evans Sakyi-Boadu5Kwame S. Sakyi6Department of ChildrenDepartment of Environment and Public HealthDepartment of Sociology and Social WorkHuman Settlement UnitCentre for Migration StudiesDepartment of Sustainable Development and PolicyResearch and Partnership DepartmentThis study examined children with visual impairments (CwVI) satisfaction with school facilities, CwVIs’ reasons for their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with school facilities, and steps to enhance their inclusion in teaching and learning. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (EST) (1979), the study employed a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 288 CwVIs, 73 key informant interviews (KIIs), 14 focus group discussions (FGDs), observations, and documentary reviews to complement the findings. The results revealed that 60.8% of CwVIs were satisfied with their school facilities, while 39.1% were dissatisfied. Key factors contributing to satisfaction included the suitability of the school compound and classroom furniture arrangement, which minimized accidents. In contrast, unsafe compounds, overcrowded classrooms, and poorly arranged furniture disrupted navigation and participation, exposing vulnerabilities in their learning environment. The findings highlighted the vital role of family and community involvement in fostering inclusive attitudes and advocating for infrastructure and resource improvements. Families actively supporting these efforts can significantly enhance support systems for CwVIs. The study underscores the need for collaboration between families and schools to build cohesive support networks that address the academic and social needs of CwVIs, fostering an inclusive learning environment.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/ijpe/6653071
spellingShingle Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi
Frank Kyei-Arthur
Theophilus Kwabena Abutima
Ada Adoley Allotey
Henry Afrifa
Evans Sakyi-Boadu
Kwame S. Sakyi
Challenges in Education for Visually Impaired Children in Ghana: A Path to Inclusion
International Journal of Pediatrics
title Challenges in Education for Visually Impaired Children in Ghana: A Path to Inclusion
title_full Challenges in Education for Visually Impaired Children in Ghana: A Path to Inclusion
title_fullStr Challenges in Education for Visually Impaired Children in Ghana: A Path to Inclusion
title_full_unstemmed Challenges in Education for Visually Impaired Children in Ghana: A Path to Inclusion
title_short Challenges in Education for Visually Impaired Children in Ghana: A Path to Inclusion
title_sort challenges in education for visually impaired children in ghana a path to inclusion
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/ijpe/6653071
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