期刊名称：Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies
电子版ISSN：2141-6990
出版年度：2013
卷号：4
期号：3
出版社：Scholarlink Resource Centre
摘要：This study focused on access and support of assistance technology for people with visual impairments in open and distance learning (ODL) institutions in Zimbabwe with particular focus on Zimbabwe open University (ZOU). Access to education and support for people with visual impairments in open and distance learning institutions in Zimbabwe appears to be a relatively grey area. The aim of the study was to analyse access and support of visual impairment in ODL for the improvement of ODL through assistive technology. The study was done through a qualitative design which composed of questionnaires to get data from people with visual impairments. Convenience sampling was used to identify respondents from among visually impaired individuals. Assistive technology refers to gadgets and devices such as modern computer software, magnification software, video and audio presentations, audio descriptions, verbal description of visual content, Braille embossers, large print word processors, screen readers and portable note taking devices. This assistive technology is conspicuous by its absence. The study shows that traditional technologies in ODL like the print media (for example modules) and radio appear to be non- existent as well. Large print materials are not available. Braille machines and Braille paper are in short supply. Specialist personnel to help those with visual impairments also appear to be inadequate. Simple innovations like talking books are not available. These shortcomings tend to have far reaching implications on the educational benefits accruing to people with visual impairments. Access to assistive technology should be a right and not a privilege. Individuals with visual impairments appear not to be benefiting from existing provisions. These findings are important to current and future scholars, educational and academic institutions, policy makers, non-governmental and private organisations, national, regional and international communities. The study leads to appropriate understanding of visual impairments, needs of visually impaired people in ODL, opens opportunities for further research and enactment of policies to change the functionings and acceptability of visually impaired people in ODL institutions and wider society. The study led to the recommendation that comprehensive legislation should be enacted to ensure unconditional access to modern assistive technology by people with visual impairments.
