Accessibility of Sporting Activities for Mainstreamed Students with Visual Impairment in Schools in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

Abstract

This study investigated the accessibility of sporting activities for mainstreamed students with visual impairment in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. The purpose of the study was to identify preparedness of institutions and sports clubs in catering for sporting activities for persons with visual impairment. The study also sought to examine barriers to participation in sports by persons with visual impairment. The descriptive survey design was employed in the study. The sample comprised twenty learners with visual impairment, ten adults, ten administrators, ten teachers and ten policy makers, bringing a total of sixty persons sampled for the study. Questionnaires and interviews were administered to this sample resulting in a quantitative and qualitative approach to the study. Results revealed that regular class teachers and coaches lacked adequate knowledge and skills in handling persons with visual impairment in sporting activities, and this resulted in persons with visual impairment being confined to a very limited number of sports disciplines. It also emerged that financial and material resources were inadequate, and that physical infrastructure was inaccessible to persons with visual impairment. It was recommended that there was need to avail resources, conduct awareness campaigns on the importance of sports for learners with visual impairment, to conduct in-service training and adapt sports facilities to accommodate persons with visual impairment.