Challenges of Late Visually Impaired Persons Life: the case of Addis Hiwot Center for the blind in Addis Ababa
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to examine the current challenges of four persons with late
visual impairments and to understand the situation of their current life appearance in Addis
Ababa with particular reference to Addis Hiwot Center for persons with visual impairment. The
result of the study was believed to be helpful for the four persons acquired late blind, after 18
years in the study area.
In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the researcher followed qualitative research
approach with descriptive case study design the research participants consists of 4 late visually
impaired persons ( 2 males and 2 females) in the Addis Hiwot Center, were purposefully selected
to obtain the relevant data for the research questions. In-depth interview was carried out with
the participants at the center. Besides focus group discussion was held among 6 people and their
information was recorded. Personal documents of the late visual impaired persons were cross-
checked. The data collected through the above instruments were organized based on the thematic
of the research questions of the study and finally analyzed case by case and cross case study.
The result of the study revealed that there is various similarities of challenges between the life of
the four late visually impaired persons in areas of social, emotional, economic and technological
aspects following they had acquired the incident. They were also experienced different life
challenges in which they also differ in their cases. Gradually the case participants revealed that
currently they lead a better life after they have had joined the center at Addis Hiwot where they
have received proper intervention. They have currently good social interaction at their work
place and felt positive reaction to them themselves and co-staffs. They adapted to the technology
of computers and they function properly through the series of training they have received in the
center
Finally, based on the findings, relevant conclusions and recommendations have been made
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Addis Hiwot Center for the blind in Addis Ababa