Social interaction pattern that exist between students who are blind and their sighted peers at University of Education, Winneba

2021 IJRSE – Volume 10 Issue 3

Available Online: 8 December 2020

Author/s:

Acheampong, Nana Opoku*
University of Education, Winneba, Ghana (opokunana22@gmail.com)

Acheampong, Emmanuel Kwasi
University of Education, Winneba, Ghana (ekacheampong@uew.edu.gh)

Rockson, Gifty Nana Yaa
University of Education, Winneba, Ghana (gnyrockson@uew.edu.gh)

Abstract:

This case study sought to determine the pattern of social interaction that exists between students who are blind and their sighted peers at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). The specific objectives were to find out the pattern of friendship between blind and sighted peers, the nature of involvement of students who are blind in cooperative learning activities, and how students who are blind participate in extra-curricular activities in the institution. Twenty-two students who are blind participated in the study, and a semi-structured interview guide was constructed and used for data collection. After a one-on-one, face-to-face interaction with each participant, it was revealed that blind students have a positive pattern of friendship with their sighted peers. They had sighted friends who supported them and with whom they share information and other resources. Also, it was found out that their sighted colleagues involved them in cooperative learning activities, though it was based on “mutual cooperative benefit.” However, the study revealed that students who are blind were excluded from some extra-curricular activities due to a lack of sighted colleague’s knowledge about their capabilities. The study concluded that the pattern of social interactions between students who are blind and their sighted peers are mostly positive and satisfactory. It was recommended that in organizing intramural sports competitions, the needs of students who are blind should be given recognition to promote their participation in such competitions.

Keywords: blind students; social interaction; social interaction pattern; visual impairment; inclusion; sighted peers

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2020.5067

Cite this article:
Acheampong, N. O., Acheampong, E. K., & Rockson, G. N. Y. (2021). Social interaction pattern that exist between students who are blind and their sighted peers at University of Education, Winneba. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 10(3), 23-37. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2020.5067

*Corresponding Author