Orientation and Mobility of Visually Impaired Learners in Selected Primary Schools Lamu County Kenya

ABSTRACT 

The purpose of the study was to find out challenges faced by visually impaired learners in orientation and mobility in primary schools. The sample size consisted of 128 standard seven and eight learners from 10 primary schools in Lamu County, Kenya. The instrument used was a questionnaire. The data analysis used was descriptive statistics to describe data. The findings indicated that, cane, sitting at a table, sitting on a chair and room familiarization were well taught orientation and mobility skills. Other findings from the study indicated that upper and lower body protection, direction and distance awareness, landmark awareness, narrow space and guide dog skills are rarely taught in primary schools. The findings of the results indicated that on overall, orientation and mobility skills taught in primary schools is low. Conclusively learners face orientation and mobility challenges. It is therefore recommended that orientation and mobility skills should be enhanced in primary schools.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARIES

Declaration A

Declaration B H

Dedication Hi

Acknowledgement iv

Abstract V

Table of Contents vi

List of Tables ix

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Problem 1

Statement of the Problem 2

Purpose of the study 2

Research objectives 3

Research questions 3

Hypothesis 4

Scope 4

Significance of the study 4

Operational Definitions of key words 5

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 7

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Authors/Experts 7

Theoretical Perspectives 19

Related Studies 20

Three METHODOLOGY 23

Research design 23

Research population 23

Sample size 24

Sampling procedures 24

Research instruments 25

Validity of the instrument 25

Reliability of the instrument 25

Data gathering procedures 25

Data analysis 26

Ethical considerations 26

Limitations of the study 27

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 28

Analysis of demographic data 28

Analysis of orientation skills data 30

Analysis of mobility skills data (sighted guide techniques) 31

Analysis of mobility skills data (self protection techniques) 32

Analysis of challenges faced by visually impaired learners in orientation and mobility data 33

Analysis of difference between the male and female visually impaired learners orientation and mobility data 35

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS

AND RECOMMENDATIONS 38

Findings 38

Conclusions 39

Recommendations 40

Suggestions for Future Research 41

References 42

Appendices 45

Appendix A: Transmittal Letter, Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) 45

Appendix B: Transmittal Letter for the Respondents 46

Appendix C: Clearance from Ethics Committee 47

Appendix D: Informed Consent 48

Appendix E: Questionnaire 49

Appendix F: Validity 53

Appendix G: Mean Range 54

Appendix H: Reliability 55

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 57