The Status of Counselling Services for Students with Visual Impairments in Tanzanian Universities
Corresponding Author(s) : Batista Francis Mgumba
Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS),
Vol. 10 No. 5 (2021)
Abstract
This article assesses the extent to which counselling services address the special needs of students with visual impairments in Tanzanian universities. The objectives are to: (i) analyse supportive counselling services available for handling social-psychological and educational problems facing students with visual impairments; and (ii) assess the extent to which the available counselling services are capable of addressing social-psychological and educational needs of students with visual impairments. To a great extent, the study was informed by the solution-focused therapy; the cognitive-behavioural therapy; and by the sensory integration therapy. The research employed a multiple case study design with a qualitative approach. Three higher learning institutions with a total of 55 participants were involved in the study. Data collected through interviews, focus group discussions and observation were analysed descriptively, while being organized in line with the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that available counselling services were not adequate and effective to address counselling needs of students with visual impairments. It was concluded that despite the efforts made by university authorities to ensure that counselling services are available to all students, more efforts are needed to ensure that those services address the diverse needs of students. The study recommended for more adjustments in the areas of policy framework; counsellors’ knowledge on disability and techniques for counselling of individuals with visual impairments; counselling environment; accessibility of counselling information; collaboration with other specialists in disabilities; and adequacy of trained counsellors in universities.
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- Aroko, R. A. 2014. Challenges Facing Effective Implementation of Guidance and Counselling Services in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: A Case of the University of Dodoma. M.A Dissertation, University of Dodoma. Bannink, E. P. 2007. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. J Contemp. Psychother, (37): 87–94. Barr, W., S. Hodge, M. Leeven, L. Louise Bowen & P. Knox. 2012. Emotional Support and Counselling for People with Visual Impairment: Quantitative Findings from a Mixed Methods Pilot Study. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research: Linking Research with Practice: 1–9. Belay, M. A. & S. G. Yihun. 2020. The Challenges and Opportunities of Visually Impaired Students in Inclusive Education: The Case of Bedlu. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 4(2): 113–124. Biswalo, P. M. 1996. Guidance and Counselling. Dar es Salaam: DUP. Blackwell, F. 2012. Disabled People. In C. Feltham & I. E. Horton (Eds.). 2012). SAGE Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy: 2nd Edition. London: SAGE Publications Inc. Corey, G. 2001. Theory and Practice of Counselling and Psychotherapy,6th Edition. Stamford: Brooks/Cole. Creswell, J. W. 2009. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Washington DC: SAGE Publications. Dale, S. 2008. Different Horizons: Experiences of Sight Loss; Counselling People Who Are Blind Or Partially Sighted. London: RNIB105. Ellis, M. & J. Smith. 2012. Gestalt Therapy. In C. Feltham & I. E. Horton (Eds). SAGE Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2nd Edition. London: SAGE Publications Inc. Fangwi, M. L. 2020. Contemporary Counselling Strategies for Persons with Disabilities. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 7(9): 58–68. Heward, W. L. 2006. Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8thedition. Ohio: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall. Hutchinson, J. O., K. Atkinson & J. Orpwood. 1998. Breaking Down Barriers: Access to Further and Higher Education for Students with Visual Impairment. London: Stanley Thornes. Kahveci, G. & F. Küçük. 2016. School Counselling and Students with Disabilities. International Online Journal of Primary Education, 5(2): 15–21. Khayat, A. H. 2017. Analysis of the Impact of Cognitive Behavior Counselling on the Self-esteem of Visually Impaired Subjects. International Journal of Applied Psychology, 7(5): 110–116. Kija, L. L. 2017. The Influence of Learning Support Services on Academic Progress of University Students with Visual Impairments in Tanzania. PhD thesis, University of Dar es Salaam. Kirk, S. A., J. J. Gallagher, N. J. Anastasiow & M. R. Coleman. 2006. Educating Exceptional Children, 11th Edition. Boston: Houghton Mfflin Company. Lazarus, K. U. & C. Ihuoma. 2011. The Role of Guidance Counsellors in the Career Development of Adolescents and Young Adults with Special Needs. British Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 2(1). Maindi, A. B. 2018. Challenges Faced by Students with Visual Impairments When Learning Physics in Regular Secondary Schools. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, 6(9): 38–50. Mbwete, T. S. A., E. T. T. Bagandanshwa & C. B. F. Mnyanyi. 2012. Counselling at the Work Place in Tanzania What Can Distance Education Do? HURIA Journal of the Open University of Tanzania. Mbuvha, T. 2019. Kinds of Support Offered by the Disability Unit to Students with Disabilities at Institutions of Higher Learning in South Africa: A Case Study of the University of Venda. Journal of Student Affairs in Africa, 7(2): 57–73. Mcleod, J. 2013. An Introduction to Counselling, 5th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill Education Open University Press. Mcmillan, J. H. & S. Schumacher. 2010. Research in Education: Evidence-Based Inquiry, 7th Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Mgumba, B. F. 2018. Access to Counselling Services for Students with Visual Impairment in the Universities: Focus on Social-Psychological and Educational Needs. PhD thesis, University of Dar es Salaam. Mgumba, B. F. 2006. Social-Psychological Experiences and Problems Affecting the Visually Impaired Persons’ Interaction in the Community: The Case of Mpwapwa District. MA dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Mullins, C. D. 2019. Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Blind and Visually Impaired Adults: Acceptance, Problem-Solving & Cognitive Distortions. Dissertation, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Nasiforo, B. M. 2015. Academic Impediments Students with Visual Impairments Encounter in the Colleges of University of Rwanda. (Thesis). Kenyatta University. Nielsen, L. B. 2010. Brief Reference of Student Disabilities: with Strategies for the Classroom. California: Corwin Press, A SAGE Company. Ocansey, S. K. & E. K. Gyimah. 2016. Counselling Needs of Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana: Implications for Inclusive Education in Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(21): 99–109. O’Connell, B. 2012. Solution-focused Therapy. In C. Feltham & I. E. Horton (Eds). SAGE Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2nd Edition. London: SAGE Publications Inc. Oluka, B. N. & G. O. Okorie. 2014. Impacts of Counselling on People with Special Educational Needs. Journal of Research & Method in Education, 4(6): 97–101. Rackley, M. A. 2015. ‘The Blind Leading the Blind’: A Phenomenological Study Into the Experience of Blind and Partially Sighted Clients with Sighted Clients. Thesis, Middlesex University. Reeve, D. 2014. Counselling and Disabled People: Help Or Hindrance? In J. Swain, S. French, C. Barnes and C. Thomas (Eds.). Disabling Barriers - Enabling Environments, 3rd Edition. London: Sage, pp. 255–261. Rushahu, B. G. 2017. Guidance and Counselling Services to Students with Disabilities in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: Practices and Implications. PhD, thesis, Carl Von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg. Sak?z, H., M. Sar?cal? & A. S. Türküm. 2017. Does Disability Matter in Counselling? Views of Counsellors with Visual Disabilities and Their Clients. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling: 1–14. Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University (SEKOMU). 2019. History of the University, Strength, Vision & Mission. https: //www.sekomu.ac.tz/ index.php/en/about-u. Sima, R.G. 1994. Guidance and Counselling Services for Adolescent Girls in Public Secondary Schools in Tanzania: A Case Study of Six Public Secondary Schools in Dar es Salaam and Iringa Regions. MA Dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Stevelink, S. A. M. & N. T. Fear. 2015. Psychosocial Impact of Visual Impairment and Coping Strategies in Female Ex-Service Personnel. Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps: 1–5. Stuntzner, S. & M. T. Hartley. 2014. Disability and the Counselling Relationship: Counsellors Need to Know? Honolulu, VISTAS. Sue, D. W. & D. Sue. 2008. Counselling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice, 5th Edition. New Jersey: John Wile and Sons, Inc. Temesgen, Z. 2018. School Challenges of Students with Visual Disabilities. International Journal of Special Education, 33(3): 510–523. University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). 2018. Guidance and Counselling Perspectives, Policy and Procedures. Dar es Salaam. —. 2000. Students Affairs Policy for the University of Dar es Salaam. (Version No. 5). Dar es Salaam. Wandera, R. O., G. M. Kibanja & A. M. Mugagga. 2017. Challenges Faced by Visually Impaired Students at Makerere and Kyambogo Universities. Makerere Journal of Higher Education, 9(1): 75–86. Yuwono, I., M. Kamil, D. Rahardja & W. J. Abdu. 2017. The Effect of Guidance and Counselling Programs on the Learning Processes of Visually Impaired High School Students. International Journal of Special Education, 32(4): 877–887.
References
Aroko, R. A. 2014. Challenges Facing Effective Implementation of Guidance and Counselling Services in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: A Case of the University of Dodoma. M.A Dissertation, University of Dodoma. Bannink, E. P. 2007. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. J Contemp. Psychother, (37): 87–94. Barr, W., S. Hodge, M. Leeven, L. Louise Bowen & P. Knox. 2012. Emotional Support and Counselling for People with Visual Impairment: Quantitative Findings from a Mixed Methods Pilot Study. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research: Linking Research with Practice: 1–9. Belay, M. A. & S. G. Yihun. 2020. The Challenges and Opportunities of Visually Impaired Students in Inclusive Education: The Case of Bedlu. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 4(2): 113–124. Biswalo, P. M. 1996. Guidance and Counselling. Dar es Salaam: DUP. Blackwell, F. 2012. Disabled People. In C. Feltham & I. E. Horton (Eds.). 2012). SAGE Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy: 2nd Edition. London: SAGE Publications Inc. Corey, G. 2001. Theory and Practice of Counselling and Psychotherapy,6th Edition. Stamford: Brooks/Cole. Creswell, J. W. 2009. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Washington DC: SAGE Publications. Dale, S. 2008. Different Horizons: Experiences of Sight Loss; Counselling People Who Are Blind Or Partially Sighted. London: RNIB105. Ellis, M. & J. Smith. 2012. Gestalt Therapy. In C. Feltham & I. E. Horton (Eds). SAGE Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2nd Edition. London: SAGE Publications Inc. Fangwi, M. L. 2020. Contemporary Counselling Strategies for Persons with Disabilities. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 7(9): 58–68. Heward, W. L. 2006. Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, 8thedition. Ohio: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall. Hutchinson, J. O., K. Atkinson & J. Orpwood. 1998. Breaking Down Barriers: Access to Further and Higher Education for Students with Visual Impairment. London: Stanley Thornes. Kahveci, G. & F. Küçük. 2016. School Counselling and Students with Disabilities. International Online Journal of Primary Education, 5(2): 15–21. Khayat, A. H. 2017. Analysis of the Impact of Cognitive Behavior Counselling on the Self-esteem of Visually Impaired Subjects. International Journal of Applied Psychology, 7(5): 110–116. Kija, L. L. 2017. The Influence of Learning Support Services on Academic Progress of University Students with Visual Impairments in Tanzania. PhD thesis, University of Dar es Salaam. Kirk, S. A., J. J. Gallagher, N. J. Anastasiow & M. R. Coleman. 2006. Educating Exceptional Children, 11th Edition. Boston: Houghton Mfflin Company. Lazarus, K. U. & C. Ihuoma. 2011. The Role of Guidance Counsellors in the Career Development of Adolescents and Young Adults with Special Needs. British Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 2(1). Maindi, A. B. 2018. Challenges Faced by Students with Visual Impairments When Learning Physics in Regular Secondary Schools. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, 6(9): 38–50. Mbwete, T. S. A., E. T. T. Bagandanshwa & C. B. F. Mnyanyi. 2012. Counselling at the Work Place in Tanzania What Can Distance Education Do? HURIA Journal of the Open University of Tanzania. Mbuvha, T. 2019. Kinds of Support Offered by the Disability Unit to Students with Disabilities at Institutions of Higher Learning in South Africa: A Case Study of the University of Venda. Journal of Student Affairs in Africa, 7(2): 57–73. Mcleod, J. 2013. An Introduction to Counselling, 5th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill Education Open University Press. Mcmillan, J. H. & S. Schumacher. 2010. Research in Education: Evidence-Based Inquiry, 7th Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Mgumba, B. F. 2018. Access to Counselling Services for Students with Visual Impairment in the Universities: Focus on Social-Psychological and Educational Needs. PhD thesis, University of Dar es Salaam. Mgumba, B. F. 2006. Social-Psychological Experiences and Problems Affecting the Visually Impaired Persons’ Interaction in the Community: The Case of Mpwapwa District. MA dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Mullins, C. D. 2019. Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Blind and Visually Impaired Adults: Acceptance, Problem-Solving & Cognitive Distortions. Dissertation, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Nasiforo, B. M. 2015. Academic Impediments Students with Visual Impairments Encounter in the Colleges of University of Rwanda. (Thesis). Kenyatta University. Nielsen, L. B. 2010. Brief Reference of Student Disabilities: with Strategies for the Classroom. California: Corwin Press, A SAGE Company. Ocansey, S. K. & E. K. Gyimah. 2016. Counselling Needs of Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana: Implications for Inclusive Education in Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(21): 99–109. O’Connell, B. 2012. Solution-focused Therapy. In C. Feltham & I. E. Horton (Eds). SAGE Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2nd Edition. London: SAGE Publications Inc. Oluka, B. N. & G. O. Okorie. 2014. Impacts of Counselling on People with Special Educational Needs. Journal of Research & Method in Education, 4(6): 97–101. Rackley, M. A. 2015. ‘The Blind Leading the Blind’: A Phenomenological Study Into the Experience of Blind and Partially Sighted Clients with Sighted Clients. Thesis, Middlesex University. Reeve, D. 2014. Counselling and Disabled People: Help Or Hindrance? In J. Swain, S. French, C. Barnes and C. Thomas (Eds.). Disabling Barriers - Enabling Environments, 3rd Edition. London: Sage, pp. 255–261. Rushahu, B. G. 2017. Guidance and Counselling Services to Students with Disabilities in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: Practices and Implications. PhD, thesis, Carl Von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg. Sak?z, H., M. Sar?cal? & A. S. Türküm. 2017. Does Disability Matter in Counselling? Views of Counsellors with Visual Disabilities and Their Clients. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling: 1–14. Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University (SEKOMU). 2019. History of the University, Strength, Vision & Mission. https: //www.sekomu.ac.tz/ index.php/en/about-u. Sima, R.G. 1994. Guidance and Counselling Services for Adolescent Girls in Public Secondary Schools in Tanzania: A Case Study of Six Public Secondary Schools in Dar es Salaam and Iringa Regions. MA Dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Stevelink, S. A. M. & N. T. Fear. 2015. Psychosocial Impact of Visual Impairment and Coping Strategies in Female Ex-Service Personnel. Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps: 1–5. Stuntzner, S. & M. T. Hartley. 2014. Disability and the Counselling Relationship: Counsellors Need to Know? Honolulu, VISTAS. Sue, D. W. & D. Sue. 2008. Counselling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice, 5th Edition. New Jersey: John Wile and Sons, Inc. Temesgen, Z. 2018. School Challenges of Students with Visual Disabilities. International Journal of Special Education, 33(3): 510–523. University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). 2018. Guidance and Counselling Perspectives, Policy and Procedures. Dar es Salaam. —. 2000. Students Affairs Policy for the University of Dar es Salaam. (Version No. 5). Dar es Salaam. Wandera, R. O., G. M. Kibanja & A. M. Mugagga. 2017. Challenges Faced by Visually Impaired Students at Makerere and Kyambogo Universities. Makerere Journal of Higher Education, 9(1): 75–86. Yuwono, I., M. Kamil, D. Rahardja & W. J. Abdu. 2017. The Effect of Guidance and Counselling Programs on the Learning Processes of Visually Impaired High School Students. International Journal of Special Education, 32(4): 877–887.