Barriers to the Use of Computer Assistive Technology among Students with Visual Impairment in Ghana: The Case of Akropong School for the Blind

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring barriers to the use of computer assistive technology among students with visual impairment at Akropong School for the Blind. A case study design was adopted and the purposive sampling technique used to select 35 participants for the study. The researchers gathered qualitative data using an in-depth interview guide to investigate barriers to the use of keyboarding skills and Job Access with Speech (JAWS).Data were transcribed and analysed thematically. That is the key themes were identified in the conversations and these were drawn and discussed. This was done using both the narrative methods and opened quotes from interviews. The findings indicated that challenges limiting effective use of computer assistive technology in the School were more personal than external influences. This was because most of the challenges were due to the individual response to the training and familiarity in developing their competencies in using computer assistive technology. Based on this, it was recommended that efforts should be made to stock the laboratory with additional computers. Directly in line with the first recommendation, it was further suggested that more practice time should be created for the students to maximize computer use. Also, Licensed JAWS must be acquired by the school to advance students’ competence in using computer assistive technology. A number of the challenges were expressed by the students on their non- familiarity with the JAWS. As a result, it was recommended that instructors and trainers at the school should engage the students in revised lessons on introduction to computer. This will help to refresh the minds of students.

Keywords: Visual impairments, computer assistive technology, keyboard, Job Access with Speech and Ghana.