Visual Impairment And Academic Performance Of Learners. A Case Of Turkana Integrated Primarykatilu Zone Turkana South District Kenya.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine visual impairment and the academic

performance of learners in Turkana integrated primary School, Katilu Zone, Katilu

division, Turkana South District, Rift Valley province Kenya. The objectives of the study

was; to establish the relationship between visual impairment and academic performance

of learners in Turkana integrated primary school, to find out causes of poor performance

and to establish measures put in place to assist children with visual impairment improve

on their academic performance.

The researcher used the survey design to carry out the study. It is mainly done by

selection of samples of individuals from known populations and using questionnaires to

collect data.

The major findings was that almost half of the school population was either blind or had

low vision. Majority of the Teachers had not undergone training in special needs

education hence lacking skills in handling the visually impaired learners.

Based on these finding it is recommended that short course trainings on visual

impairment be organised by the government and non-governmental organisations so as to

equip the teachers with skills of managing learners with visual problems. Teachers should

also be motivated to join courses offered by Kenya Institute of special education. In this

way they will gain promotion and be motivated to teach the visually impaired learners.

The government should also integrate special education units in teacher training

curriculum, parents, teachers and the community need to collaborate to ensure learning of

the visually impaired.

Conclusion, The researchers found that indeed visual impairment affected academic

performance of learners. Most learners performed below average. He also discovered that other factor affected academic performance of learners.