Abstract:
This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of orientation and
mobility (O&M) training programme for pupils with visual impairment in
basic schools in Ghana with particular reference to Akropong and Wa Schools
for the Blind in the Eastern and Upper West Regions respectively. The study
employed qualitative approaches in getting the relevant data using the
descriptive qualitative design to satisfy the purpose and objectives of the
study. In all, 18 respondents were selected purposively for the study. In-depth
interviews and observations were also conducted to elicit qualitative data
Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse the data collected from the
survey. The study revealed that O&M training programmes in the schools are
not as effective as they are supposed to be and as a result, pupils of the two
Schools for the Blind in Ghana are unable to use the white cane technique, the
independent travelling technique and the sighted guide effectively. The major
challenges in the Schools for the Blind include lack of teachers or specialist
to train the pupils, lack of white canes, poor environmental conditions,
stigmatisation and limited time for O&M training. Recommendation such as
training of O&M specialists, ensuring improved environmental conditions in
the schools for the blind, curriculum modification, provision of enough white
canes, and public sensitisation on stigmatisation against pupils with visual
impairment.
