The impact of assistive devices on individuals with special visual needs and its ethical implications: exploring the experiences of students with special visual needs in University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus.
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Date
2024
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Abstract
The development of assistive devices has resulted in a more promising society, particularly for people with special visual needs. The invention gives people with special visual needs more opportunities to study, be independent, and work. However, in this modern world, there are still some ethical considerations and implications for using assistive devices. Students with special visual needs face accommodation and adaptation challenges, limiting their full interaction with other students and community members. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of students with special visual needs at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg campus with the use of assistive devices, and to assess the impact and ethical implications of these assistive devices. This study has used a qualitative research approach. In this study, semi-structured in-depth face-to-face and online interviews were conducted. The study includes 20 students with special visual needs at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg campus. In this study, I argue that poorly designed physical environments continue to create difficulties that continue to exclude people with special visual needs from participating in their societies. Students also face the challenge of high cost of necessary assistive devices, a lack of training, and being misunderstood by other members of the community. In order to sensitize non-special needs individuals, the University of KwaZulu-Natal must make campuses more accessible and friendly to all individuals with special visual needs. This includes raising awareness and ensuring that individuals with special visual needs participate fully in university life and beyond.
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Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.