EDUCATIONAL REPORT ON THE EDUCATION OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED AS CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AT THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL LIBRARY AND CULTURAL CENTRE FOR THE BLIND, LUSAKA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:Education of learners with visual impairment requires the concerted effort of services from different service providers in the communities. One of the service providers is Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind. Despite this centre being available in a Zambian community very few institutionsand educators who are giving education to learners with visual impairment as well as learners themselves are aware of this service.Hence the purpose of the study was to give a report in order to establish the services and assistance available at Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind which learners with visual impairment can access to better their education achievement with a view of living independent sound economic life after school.The Problem :Zambia National Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind train learners with visual impairment in various skills for a certain period of time. Students during this time have the opportunity to learn practical skills needed for their education and life. Knowledge of whether all the learners with visual impairment and educators are aware about these services or not is not known because it has not been reported and documented, the reason this study has been instituted. This study therefore meant to answer the question, are the services offered by the Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind and are they known by all educators and learners with visual impairment?Purpose of the study:The purpose of the study was to generate a report about the services offered by the Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind and make their services known to all educators and learners with visual impairment.Generating the report is of great importance and it will help learners with visual impairment and educatorsaskey stakeholders to uphold faith in the quality of this library training in the country.Significance of the study:This study would help all learners with visual impairment and educators to be aware about the services being offered at the Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind. It would also act as a review for the library and an appreciation of the services being offered.This will help learners with visual impairmentthatneeds to learn skills in order to be successful academically.LIMITATIONS:The study revealed the services being offered by the libraryand howit operates from the library staff's point of view. Thus the study was limited to observation comments that could have been madeby learners with visual impairment and educators, hence the interpretation is based on what was reported and not all that goes on during the training, for example braille lessonwere not reported from educators and learners point of view.Aim of the study:The aim of the study was to bring to light the services that are being offered by Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind to all educators and learners with visual impairment.Research Objectives:The study was guided by the following objectives* To establish the services being offered at Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind.* To give the report on the goals, objectives, history, mission, roles and functions of the library.* To establish the relationship of the library with other educational institutes.* To report on financial, community and parental support.* To establish the challenges faced by the library.Research questions:The study answered these questions.* What are the services being offered at Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind?* How did the library began and for what purpose?* What are the roles and functions of the library?* How is the relationship between the library and other educational institutions* Are there financial, community and parental support received by Zambia Library and Cultural Centre for the Blind? …