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The Perspectives of Teachers in Belize in Relation to Working with Visually Impaired Pupils in Mainstream Schools: An Exploratory Study

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Inclusive Education and Disability in the Global South

Abstract

Chapter 5 presents a research that explored the perspectives of teachers working with children with visual impairment/blindness in mainstream schools in Belize. A qualitative approach was adopted and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 teachers from 6 selected schools located in different regions. Findings suggest that the teachers perceived inclusion as equality of opportunity for children with disabilities and felt that inclusive education has many benefits for all children. The research also recorded numerous strategies that the teachers used with children with a visual impairment/blindness. The main challenges mentioned by teachers were the lack of training and resources. The authors conclude that teachers seemed generally supportive of inclusion of visually impaired students, but they felt they needed more specialised knowledge and support in this area.

‘[I]nclusion is possible with [the] right equipment, which we do not have.’

(Teacher)

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Azueta, J.N., Kamenopoulou, L. (2018). The Perspectives of Teachers in Belize in Relation to Working with Visually Impaired Pupils in Mainstream Schools: An Exploratory Study. In: Kamenopoulou, L. (eds) Inclusive Education and Disability in the Global South. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72829-2_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72829-2_5

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

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