PRIMARY SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT IN PAKISTAN: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTUREPRIMARY SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT IN PAKISTAN: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Abstract

Present study is an effort to draw a picture of the past, present and future of primary special education for children with vision impairment in Pakistan in views of institutional heads. It is a qualitative research by nature and structured interview protocol was administered for it. The sample consisted of 27 heads of special education institutions including 16 males and 11females working in the field of vision impairment selected randomly from four zones of the Punjab province. A validated self -developed interview guide was applied for structured interviews. Some interviews were conducted in person but many interviews were taken by phone calls due to COVID-19 lockdown. Data were analyzed by percentages of responses and using thematic analysis technique. Data revealed that most of the objectives behind the start of primary special education for children with vision impairment (CWVI) were realistic and achievable. However, objectives were achieved partially according to the majority of heads prevailing instructional practices were unsatisfactory. Implemented curriculum neither meets the unique learning needs of students nor curricular standards. Its basic reason was the shortage of desired resources and poor take care of available resources. Study recommended that sufficient financial, human and material resources should be provided to all special education institutions. Proper take care and utilization of existing resources should be assured. Instructional practices and implemented curriculum should be improved by effective teacher training programs and proper implementation of Early Childhood Curriculum (ECC).