Challenges Visually Impaired Students Face in Acquiring Fashion Skills: A Case Study among Visually Impaired Training Institutions in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the challenges visually impaired (VI) students face concerning fashion skill acquisition. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research design was based on qualitative. The combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was chosen to ensure a diverse participant pool, capturing a range of perspectives on what visually impaired students face concerning fashion skill acquisition. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover patterns and themes, contributing to a rich understanding of the subject matter. Findings: The findings revealed that the visually impaired are challenged by barriers to enrolment in fashion programmes, the cost-intensive nature of training, lack of sight, lack of skilled teachers and perceptions about Students with Visual Impairments (SVI) in Fashion. The study initiates further stakeholder discussions regarding designing a simplified inclusive curriculum to accommodate individuals with visually impaired and interested in enrolling on fashion courses. The Research Limitation: Purposive and snowball sampling techniques may introduce selection bias, as participants are recruited based on specific criteria and through referrals. This may result in a sample that is more inclined to share similar perspectives, potentially overlooking the diversity of experiences within the visually impaired student community. Practical Implication: Implementation of these practical measures can contribute to breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to opportunities in the field of fashion for all students, regardless of visual ability. Social Implication: Inclusive fashion education for the visually impaired has the potential of developing such individuals socially and economically thereby relieving the government of potential financial burden and reducing the social exclusion that the visually impaired experience. Originality/ value:  The novelty of studying visually impaired students regarding fashion skill acquisition lies in its potential to uncover unique challenges, innovative solutions, and opportunities for inclusivity in education and vocational training.