Strategies to address challenges faced by visually impaired students in accessing electrical information resources at Makerere University Library

Abstract

Visual impairment student are facing different problems in the process of learning. This study investigated the challenges facing students with visual impairment in accessing e-resources at Makerere University Library. Specifically, the study sought to identify challenges facing visually impaired students in accessing e-resources, examine the utilization of the visually impaired, investigate information seeking behavior of the visually impaired, and identifies the available e resources at the Library and to propose the strategies that are being implemented to assist visual impaired student’s access e-resources. A descriptive research design was adopted where a total of 25 respondents including visual impairment students, teachers and Library staff. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview. Research findings revealed that there are various academic problems facing visually impaired students in accessing e-resources at Makerere University Library. Among the academic problems pointed out to affect students with VI were; insufficient equipment such as digital recorder, memory card, Braille, e-book reader device and ICT facilities including computers, embosser, modems, magnifiers, screen readers. Based on those findings, the study recommended that in order to enhance learning of students with Visual Impairment, there should be adequate resources such as teachers, materials and equipment and facilities. Policy makers should consider student with special need such as Visually Impaired students, colleges for special training of ICT for Visually Impaired students. There is need to enhance vocation training and life skills subjects and teachers who will teach ICT for visual impaired students.