Papers by TITUS K P I E R O - Z U O M E H DERY
This qualitative study sought to explore deaf students access to counselling services at the Univ... more This qualitative study sought to explore deaf students access to counselling services at the University of Education, Winneba. The study was underpinned by Murray's system of needs theory, phenomenological research was adopted as the design and a purposive sampling technique was used to select twelve deaf students and two counsellors for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically via verbatim transcriptions, coding, drawing of themes and discussions of findings. The findings of the study indicated that deaf students have unique counselling needs such as educational needs, financial, health and personal needs that are often not adequately addressed by the existing counselling services at the University of Education, Winneba. The findings again revealed that deaf students often perceived counselling as mere advise-giving, not relevant for the needs and is meant for the hearing students only. Deaf students however, as revealed by the students resort to accessing counselling services from lecturers, church leaders, peers and sign language interpreters who are most times closer to them and who again can communicate with them through sign language. Based on the study's findings, the study recommended collaboration between lecturers who offer counselling services and the University counselling professionals, lecturers should be aware of their role as facilitators and the limits of their counselling capabilities, The University Management in collaboration with Counseling Unit should recruit and train counselors who are proficient in sign language and have a deep understanding of deaf culture and experiences. The Counseling Unit should offer online counseling options with sign language interpretation for students who may face challenges accessing on-campus services.
This study explored the experiences of students with visual impairment in studying Information an... more This study explored the experiences of students with visual impairment in studying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the researcher utilized semi-structured interviews and observations for data collection. The sample included 36 students organized into seven focus groups, who were purposefully sampled. The findings unveiled several noteworthy outcomes. These students with visual impairment relied on voice applications like JAWS and NVDA to navigate computers and mobile phones. However, a lack of basic computer skills such as typing, creating and saving files or documents were prevalent and were attributed to limited participation during practical ICT sessions. Additionally, while a few students depended on sighted peers for support. Meanwhile, students demonstrated their capability to locate, retrieve, and analyze digital information using references of course manuals, notes, and prior knowledge. Proposed strategies encompassed the adaptation of course content for teaching and online platforms to meet specific needs of the students, the provision of robust assistive devices in ICT labs and libraries, and specialized training for instructors in utilizing technology for individuals with visual impairment.
This qualitative study examined the physical and psychological well-being of caregivers of childr... more This qualitative study examined the physical and psychological well-being of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy at the Hearts, Hands, and Voice Foundation, Winneba. The study employed a descriptive case study design. Twenty (20) caregivers of children with cerebral palsy, ranging in age from 20 to 69 years old who frequently visit the care center were purposefully sampled. Through semi-structured interviews, caregivers shared their personal experiences, concerns, and perspectives on their well-being. Thematic analysis revealed key themes in physical health status and psychological well-being. Caregivers reported frequent physical strain, chronic pain, fatigue, and limitations in daily activities. Emotionally, they expressed feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation. Many caregivers highlighted concerns about accessing adequate healthcare and specialized services for their children, often relying on foundations and support organizations for assistance. Support networks, such as the Hearts, Hands, and Voice Foundation, the Ghana Federation of Disabilities, and local community groups, were crucial in providing information, training, and social support. These resources helped caregivers gain knowledge, connect with others in similar situations, and receive necessary assistance. The findings underscore the significant impact of caregiving on both physical and psychological well-being and highlight the need for increased support and comprehensive healthcare services for caregivers. Recommendations from this study inform the development of interventions to improve the well-being of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.
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Papers by TITUS K P I E R O - Z U O M E H DERY