By Levinus Nwabughiogu
House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to introduce a policy that will ensure inclusive education for the visually impaired students in government schools across the country.
The policy, the House said, should also ensure that all learning facilities for the students were made available.
The call was made at the plenary on Tuesday when Hon. Sam Chinedu Onwuaso moved the motion titled “Need to make Learning Facilities Available for Visually Impaired Students in Government Schools”.
In his motion, Onwuaso noted the discrimination against visually impaired students in government schools all over Nigeria.
He said that they lacked proper instructional materials, facilities and support that will enhance their education.
“Advances in technology have made available tools for visually impaired students to participate in classroom activities, achieve grade-related goals and gain independence as students.
“Tools like Large Print Calendar, Scientific Calculator, Sceneeye 500, Braille compass, Vide Magnifier, Ovation, Ray Phone, Braille Note, Apex Note Taker, Embosser, among others; could be made available for them by the Federal Ministry of Education.
“The visually impaired find it difficult to read and achieve their goals in classes as most of the tools are moribund and upgrading them will aid in their better understanding in classrooms as well as enable them to effectively compete with their peers in academics, irrespective of their health conditions, thus, in the long run, giving them a sense of belonging”, he said.
Adopting the motion after securing a favourable voice vote, the House mandated its Committees on Science and Technology, and Basic Education and Services to ensure implementation.
