Social interaction pattern that exist between students who are blind and their sighted peers at University of Education, Winneba

This case study sought to determine the pattern of social interaction that exists between
students who are blind and their sighted peers at the University of Education, Winneba
(UEW). The specific objectives were to find out the pattern of friendship between blind and
sighted peers, the nature of involvement of students who are blind in cooperative learning
activities, and how students who are blind participate in extra-curricular activities in the
institution. Twenty-two students who are blind participated in the study, and a semi-structured
interview guide was constructed and used for data collection. After a one-on-one, face-to-face
interaction with each participant, it was revealed that blind students have a positive pattern of
friendship with their sighted peers. They had sighted friends who supported them and with
whom they share information and other resources. Also, it was found out that their sighted
colleagues involved them in cooperative learning activities, though it was based on “mutual
cooperative benefit.” However, the study revealed that students who are blind were excluded
from some extra-curricular activities due to a lack of sighted colleague's knowledge about
their capabilities. The study concluded that the pattern of social interactions between students
who are blind and their sighted peers are mostly positive and satisfactory. It was
recommended that in organizing intramural sports competitions, the needs of students who are
blind should be given recognition to promote their participation in such competitions.