Comparative effectiveness of disability resource centers (DRCS) in higher education institutions for students with visual impairment
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Date
2023
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UMT Lahore
Abstract
This research was exploratory qualitative research to compare the effectiveness of Disability Resource Centers in Higher Education institutes for students with visual impairments (SVI). This comparative study focused on the availability and effectiveness of resources in DRCs to meet the standards of the internationally acknowledged concept of inclusion in education. Five famous universities of Pakistan were selected based on the rationale of DRCs and their functioning. The sample size was based on the available SVI (Low Vision & Totally Blind Students) in these institutes. Multifaceted collection tools; Inventory and Semi-structured interview guides for DRCs resource persons and SVI helped to attain the validity of the research. Recorded one-on-one Interview transcription was analyzed closely to find out the emerging themes. Furthermore, a detailed descriptive thematic analysis was carried out to further explore the effectiveness of DRCs. Finally, the institutional comparative analysis has enhanced the impact factor of the study. Moreover, it analyzed DRCs' challenges in meeting these needs and proposed recommendations for further enhancing their effectiveness. Employing a rigorous qualitative approach encompassing multiple interviews, and an inventory of Resource Persons designated in DRCs, this research endeavors to shed light on the critical, yet often understated role of DRCs in fostering inclusivity within educational institutions.