Experiences of Turkish University Students with Visual Impairments

Abstract

This study examined experiences of Turkish university students with visual impairments. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with eight students with visual impairments from six universities across the country about their experiences in higher education. The qualitative data analysis techniques including classical content analysis and constant comparison were utilized. As the result, it was understood that university students with visual impairments face academic and social challenges. Academic challenges included a lack of course materials available in alternative formats, reliance on audio-recorder in following instructions, and instructors' lack of knowledge. Social challenges that the students face was identified as dependency to parents and others' rude attitudes toward them. Lastly, accommodations and support services provided to these students were explored. It was observed that a very few universities offer necessary technical equipment to these students. In addition, student disability services at universities do not work sufficiently to meet the needs of students with visual impairments. The findings of this study are parallel to what was found in the previous studies on the same topic conducted in Turkey. Therefore, as the developing country, there is an urgent need for improvement in several areas to provide equal educational opportunities to students with visual impairments at universities. Some of the suggestions for the improvement in practice are organizing professional developments for university personnel and preparing students with visual impairment starting in kindergarten for universities by teaching all the skills they would need in the future.