Visual Impairments Orientation and Mobility Training among Rehabilitees and its Influence on Independent Travel in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2024-09
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate orientation and mobility training among rehabilitees with visual impairment and its influence on independent travel in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study objectives were: Establish the professional qualification of orientation and mobility trainers at KIB, examine the role of rehabilitees’ with visual impairment cane skills in their independent travel, explore the contribution of rehabilitees’ indoor orientation and mobility skills in their independent travel and investigate the role of outdoor orientation and mobility skills in rehabilitees’ independent travel. The study was based on Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory. The researcher used case study research design. 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. Purposive sampling technique was used to select KIB for the study. Snowball sampling technique was used to select thirty-seven rehabilitees with visual impairment. Data was collected using questionnaires. The pilot study was conducted to enhance validity and reliability of the research tools. The researcher ensured content validity of the research instruments through discussion with supervisors and lecturers in the department of early childhood and special needs education. For reliability a test-retest method was used where Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was employed to correlate results from the two sets. Quantitative data was gathered using questionnaires and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 28.1) program. Descriptive statistics were computed to summarize and describe the characteristics of the data in terms of frequency tables, graphs and charts and percentages. Responses from the open-ended questions were transcribed verbatim to ensure accuracy and preserve the original meaning of participants' statements. Results showed that the orientation and mobility trainers at KIB were skilled in the field of Orientation and mobility. Mobility canes were the main device used at Kenya Institute for the Blind for orientation and mobility. Indoor orientation and mobility skills were trained at Kenya Institute for the Blind. The skills were helpful to rehabilitees whose job placement was in offices. The outdoor orientation and mobility skills include, shore lining, track travel and recovery, stream crossing, elevators and car familiarization. The study concludes that the orientation and mobility trainers at KIB possess comprehensive qualifications and experience across various essential skills necessary for training rehabilitees with visual impairments. The study concluded that indoor orientation and mobility skills significantly influence the independent travel of rehabilitees with visual impairments. It is recommended that KIB continue to invest in the professional development of its trainers. This includes encouraging trainers to pursue advanced certifications and participate in on-going professional development opportunities. Enhancing trainers' qualifications can further improve the effectiveness of orientation and mobility training. It was recommended that stakeholders, including government and non-governmental organizations, increase funding and support for the Kenya Institute for the Blind. It is recommended that the Kenya Institute for the Blind develop comprehensive and standardized training programs. These programs should integrate both indoor and outdoor mobility skills and be adaptable to various outdoor conditions such as weather and terrain. Standardized protocols will ensure consistency in training quality and effectiveness across different environments.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Education (Special Needs Education) in the School of Education and Life-Long Learning of Kenyatta University, September, 2024
Supervisor:
1.Margaret Murugami
2.Nelly Otube