Abstract
The study aimed at developing a Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) framework for supporting Students with Visual Impairment (SVI) in higher education institutions. It addressed the challenges these students face when accessing SRH services, including
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). The researcher focused on creating an Afrocentric SRH framework, rooted in African values and beliefs such as "umntanako ngumntanami, umlaye nawe" (My child is your child, counsel him or her also). The research was conducted at Reformed Church University and United College of Education, using a qualitative approach, an interpretive paradigm and a multiple-case study design. Snowball sampling was used for SVI participants, and purposive sampling was used for five staff members per institution.
Inductive thematic analysis was used for interview and focus group discussion data, while content analysis was applied to document analysis. The Afrocentric SRH framework emphasized community involvement, with elders like aunts, uncles, and grandparents serving as trained role models to teach SRH topics. The framework suggests that elders can be housed at innovation hubs, utilizing heritage-based resources for innovation and industrialisation.
The study challenged the belief that SVI are asexual, advocating that they should receive SRH education like their sighted peers. The Afrocentric social ontogenesis, focused on Ubuntu (community and interconnectedness), further supported the need for inclusive SRH education. The research found that SRH materials must be accessible in formats like braille, audio, large print, and screen readers. Additionally, SVI expressed a desire for families of their own. Despite existing inclusive policies for people with disabilities, a lack of political will hinders their effective implementation. The study concluded that national and institutional policies supporting students with disabilities should be regularly monitored and evaluated by a committee which can be set up. The study recommends accessible formats such as braille and audios which should involve the SVI during the production of SRH materials. Community strategies thus the involvement of elders such as the aunts, uncles, grandparents are encouraged to improve instruction of CSE. The
educators and health service providers need capacity building on how best to handle the students with disability, particularly the visually impaired.