Rehabilitees with Visual Impairments’ Cane Skills and their Influence on Independent Travel in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2024
Authors
Kwamboka, Gisore Varsytine
Murugami, Margaret
Otube, Nelly
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
EJSER
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of rehabilitees with visual
impairment cane skills on their independent travel. The study was based on Bandura’s
social cognitive learning theory. The researcher used a case study research design. The
study was carried out at Kenya Institute for the Blind located in Nairobi County, Kenya.
The target population was two orientation and mobility trainers and fifty rehabilitees
with visual impairment who lost sight between the years 2011 and 2016 and who
underwent rehabilitation at KIB. A purposive sampling technique was used to select KIB
for the study. Snowball sampling technique was used to locate thirty-seven rehabilitees
with visual impairment. Data was collected using questionnaires. The pilot study was
conducted at Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind because of its similar
characteristics in the admission of rehabilitees with visual impairment. The researcher
ensured the content validity of the research instruments through discussion with
supervisors and lecturers in the Department of early childhood and Special Needs
Education. Quantitative data was gathered using questionnaires and processed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented using tables. The findings revealed that mobility
canes were the main device used at Kenya Institute for the Blind for orientation and
mobility. Worldwide, canes were the most used device for orientation and mobility for
individuals with visual impairment. In KIB, the device was limited in supply and not
readily available. Cane skills were the most popular orientation and mobility techniques
among rehabilitees in KIB. The study concluded that rehabilitees were not adequately
trained since a substantial period of time has elapsed yet they have not indicated
favourable independent travel to their places of work. Orientation and mobility training
at KIB led to the acquisition of necessary skills relevant to independent travel of
individuals with visual impairment. The study recommended that there is a need for
Kenya Government to facilitate the production of cheap locally made long canes suitable
for our Kenyan roads.
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Citation
Kwamboka, G. V., Murugami, M., & Otube, N. (2024). REHABILITEES WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS’CANE SKILLS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON INDEPENDENT TRAVEL IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA. European Journal of Special Education Research, 10(1).