An Investigation of Transition Experiences of Students with Visual Impairment in Public Universities in Ghana

Abstract

Student transition to university offers significant challenges to all parties involved. Most studies on transition focused on middle to high schools. Research shows that many students including those with disabilities approach higher education with mixed feelings. However, it appears very little is known about the transition experiences of students with visual impairment from their own point of view. This research seeks to investigate the transition experiences of students with visual impairment in public universities in Ghana in order to fill the gaps in the literature. The self-determination theory and qualitative approach will be adopted using a case study design to unpack this phenomenon. The purposive sampling technique will be used to select the participants for the study. In-depth interviews and documents analysis will be used to gather data from Four Heads of Disability Support Centres, 4 Heads of Student Support Centres, and all Students with visual impairment in the case universities. The findings will reveal and raise awareness on the transition experiences of students with visual impairment in public universities in Ghana. Furthermore, the findings will serve as a useful resource for policy makers in higher education involved in planning transition programmes and services for students with visual impairment in Ghana.