AVAILABILITY AND DEPLOYMENT OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (ATS) FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS: FOCUS ON UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

Saturday U. Omeluzor; Njideka Nwawih Charlotte Ojukwu

Authors

Saturday U. Omeluzor Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Nigeria Author
Njideka Nwawih Charlotte Ojukwu Department of Information Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, University of Zululand Author

Keywords:

Assistive Technology, Visually Impaired, Impairment, Students, University Library, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the availability and deployment of assistive technologies (ATs) at university library in Nigeria. Technology is a driving force in every sector of the economy and deployment of ATS for students with visual impairment at the university library is extremely important. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The study took place during the 10th Conference and 14th induction ceremony of LRCN in 2023. Using a consensus sample method, all the 468 librarians drawn from various universities across Nigeria who enlisted for the ceremony participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire that was administered on the respondents. A sample of 384 who responded appropriately to the instrument was taken. The findings indicated that there was availability of ATs at the university library but at lower rate. Majority of the respondents reported unavailability and non-deployment of ATs at their library. Evidence from the findings showed that only two ATs (Braille and Laptop) were fully deployed at the library out of thirty-four that were listed in the study. The study revealed that the deployment of ATs at the university library would create an inclusive learning environment as well increase the capacity of students with visual impairment in learning and research. Some of the major barriers militating against the availability and deployment of ATs at the university library in Nigeria were identified and recommendations were offered in order to mitigate and improve the learning and research experience of students with visual impairment.

Author Biography

Saturday U. Omeluzor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Nigeria

The study investigated the availability and deployment of assistive technologies (ATs) at university library in Nigeria. Technology is a driving force in every sector of the economy and deployment of ATS for students with visual impairment at the university library is extremely important. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The study took place during the 10th Conference and 14th induction ceremony of LRCN in 2023. Using a consensus sample method, all the 468 librarians drawn from various universities across Nigeria who enlisted for the ceremony participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire that was administered on the respondents. A sample of 384 who responded appropriately to the instrument was taken. The findings indicated that there was availability of ATs at the university library but at lower rate. Majority of the respondents reported unavailability and non-deployment of ATs at their library. Evidence from the findings showed that only two ATs (Braille and Laptop) were fully deployed at the library out of thirty-four that were listed in the study. The study revealed that the deployment of ATs at the university library would create an inclusive learning environment as well increase the capacity of students with visual impairment in learning and research. Some of the major barriers militating against the availability and deployment of ATs at the university library in Nigeria were identified and recommendations were offered in order to mitigate and improve the learning and research experience of students with visual impairment.