An investigation of preferences and choices of students with vision impairments on literacy medium for studying

Abstract

This article presents the outcomes of a national survey set in Greece examining the preferences and choices of students with vision impairments on literacy medium for studying. In brief, this study explored (a) the students’ preferences regarding literacy medium for studying, (b) the students’ opinions regarding the best performance medium for their studying, and (c) the relationship between the students’ literacy medium preferences and choices in terms of their age, type of vision loss, and onset of vision impairment. Seventy-five primary and secondary students with vision impairments participated in the study. Relevant data were obtained through questionnaires, and the results showed that braille and large print were the preferred mediums for studying regardless of gender, age, type of vision loss, and onset of blindness. Yet, the majority of the participants chose the medium of listening (‘aural reading’) as the best performance medium for their studying. The discussion highlights issues such as literacy skills, usage of technological advances, and teachers’ training and stresses the need for developing evidence-based practices and educational programmes through organized interdisciplinary teams and networks.