Promoting identification and support of learners with visual problems in public primary schools, central Kenya

Sarah w. Mwangi; Japheth M. Makuna

doi:10.31686/ijier.vol7.iss3.1370

Authors

Sarah w. Mwangi

Pwani University, Kenya

Author
Japheth M. Makuna

Pwani University

Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol7.iss3.1370

Keywords:

Public Primary School, Visual Problems, County, identification, Visual impairment

Abstract

Visual impairment in childhood has implications in all aspects of the child’s development. It posses educational, occupational and social challenges, with affected children being at risk of behavioral, psychological difficulties, impaired self-esteem and poor social integration. Moreover, visual problems are an important contribution to poor school performance. Visual problems are known to deteriorate and become visual impairments if they are not identified and treated early. Despite this realization, high risk learners in primary schools remain unnoticed, undiagnosed and do not benefit from special education services and interventions. The purpose of this study was to document challenges that teachers in public primary schools experienced in identifying and assisting children with visual problems. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, a study involving 36 teachers was conducted in 12 public primary schools in Central Kenya. Questionnaires and observation schedules were used. The study established the major challenges faced by teachers in identifying learners with visual problems as: lack of knowledge and skills in special education and visual screening as well as lack of school visual screening programs. Strategies suggested to address the challenges included special education training and special education seminars for teachers and introduction of school visual screening programs for all the learners.

Author Biographies

Sarah w. Mwangi, Pwani University, Kenya

School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology and Special Needs
Japheth M. Makuna, Pwani University

Department of Educational Psychology and Special Needs, School of Education

References

Bailey, R., Indian R., Zhang X, Geiss L., Duenas M., & Saaddine J. (2006). Visual impairment and eye care among older adults—five states, MMWR ;55(49):1321–1325.
Barbara, Y. (2010). Barriers to seeking care following vision screening. Journal of School Health, 68, 319-324.
Barraga, C., & Erin, J. (1992). Visual handicaps and learning. Austin, X: PRO-ED.
Borsting, E. (2006). Overview of vision efficiency and visual processing development. St. Louis: Mosby-Elsevier.
Cotter, S. (2006). Optometric assessment: case history. St. Louis, MO: Mosby- Elsevier.
Crissy, D. (2009). Children with undetected visual problems. United Kingdom: Karen Sparrow.
Elbaum, B. (2005). Self-concept and students with learning disabilities. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Flax, N. (2006). The Relationship between Vision and Learning: General Issues. St. Louis, MO: Mosby- Elsevier.
Foster, A. & Gilbert, C. (2001). Childhood blindness in the context of vision 2020: The right to sight. Bulletin of the World Health Organisation. 79, 227-32.
GoK, (2004). Persons with Disabilities. Government Printers: Nairobi, Kenya.
GoK, (2010). Constitution of the Republic of Kenya. Government Printers: Nairobi, Kenya.
Groffman, S. (2006). The relationship between Visual Perception and Learning. St Louis MO: Mosby- Elsevier.
Heward W.L (2006).Exceptional children: an introduction to special education. N. J.
Heward, W. (2005). Exceptional Children (8th ed): An Introduction to Special Education. Prentice Hall, New Jersey: Columbus.
Hoffman, L. G. (2006). The role of optometrist in the management of learning related visual problems. St. Louis: Mosby- Elsevier.
Hunt, N. & Marshal, K. (2002). Exceptional children and youth. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ICEVI, (2005). Report of the 4th Workshop on training of teachers of visual impairments. Budapest: Hungary.
ICEVI, (2005). Report of the 4th Workshop on training of teachers of visual impairments. Budapest: Hungary.
IDEA, (1998). The Eric clearinghouse on disability and gifted children. Htt://www.ericec.org/ digests/e560.html. Retrieved on 21st July 2010.
Ira, O. (2008). Educating the Educators. State university of New York, College of Optometry. New York: USA.
Ira, O. (2008). Educating the Educators. State university of New York, College of Optometry. New York: USA.
KIE, (2010). United States International Development Project. Nairobi: USAID.
Kingo, A. & Ndawi, B. (2009). Prevalence and causes of low vision among school children in Kibaha District, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 11, 111-115.
Krumholtz, A. (2004). Educating the educators: Increasing grade school teachers ability to detect vision problems. State University of New York, College of Optometry. New York: USA.
Lerner, J. (2005). Learning disabilities and related disorders: characteristics and teaching strategies. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
Marge, C. (2010). A clear vision for equity and opportunity. Journal of Optometry, 85,48-58.
Marshal, E., Meetz. M. & Harmon, I. (2010). Through our children’s eyes: Impact of Vision Screening requirements for Indiana School- Children. Optometry, 80, 71- 82.
MoE, (2009). The National Special Needs Education Policy Framework. Government Printers: Nairobi, Kenya. Mwangi S. W. (2016). Early detection of warning signs of Visual Impairment among children in Primary schools, Kenya. British Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural science: 18(1): 1-7, 2016, Article No. BJESBS.28368. ISSN:2278-0998
Mwangi S. W. (2011). Moving Towards Braille Literacy: Braille Learning in Kenyan Schools. Verlag: VDM Verlag Dr. Muller GmbH & Co. KG
P.A.V.E. (1996). Vision checklist: Self Assessment List. Santa Ana: Optometric Extension Program Foundation, Inc.
Republic of Kenya. (2003). Taskforce Report on implementation of Free Primary Education. Jomo Kenyatta foundation. Nairobi. Kenya.
Sight Savers International. (2005). Children who are blind or have low vision. http://www.sightsavers.org/in_depth/policy_and_rese; Retrieved 20/12/12
Smeeth, L. (2000). Effectiveness of screening for impaired vision in a community setting. Brtitish Journal ophthalmol. 28:660-663.
Smeeth, L. (2000). Effectiveness of screening for impaired vision in a community setting. Brtitish Journal ophthalmol. 28:660-663.
Thomson, J. (2005). Vision influences on reading and writing disabilities. New York: Guilford Press.
WHO. (2006). Sight test and glasses improve life of people with poor vision. Geneva: Switzerland.
WHO. (2009). Action Plan for the Prevention of Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment, 2009- 2013. Geneva: WHO.
WHO. (2012). World Report on Visual Impairments. Geneva: WHO/World Bank.
Zindi, F. (1997). Special education in Africa. Botswana: Tasalls Publishing.