Awareness and Utilization of Assistive Technologies Among Visually Impaired Library Users in Bayero University Kano

ABSTRACT
This study investigate the Awareness and Utilization of Assistive Technologies Among Visually
Impaired Library Users in Bayero University Kano. To achieve the purpose of the study, four (4)
research questions were raised. Descriptive survey design method was adopted for this study with
a population of visually impaired library users in Bayero University Kano. The entire population
of nineteen visually impaired library users was selected as the sample size for the study. Data was
collected using a researcher’s design questionnaire. For the purpose of analysis, data from
seventeen respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics: The result found that: Visually
impaired library users in Bayero University Kano were aware of few assistive devices in the library
which include; Emboss, PEARL camera, Software (open book, Gpt). The major sources of
awareness of assistive technologies among visually impaired library users in Bayero University
Kano library were through friends and colleques. Visually impaired library users in Bayero
University Kano utilize few assistive technologies in their academic and research activities. The
challenges face in utilizing assistive technologies were mainly lack of adequate training on how to
use assistive technologies and lack of awareness about how to use assistive technologies. The
study therefore recommends that the library should increase Awareness and Education about
Assistive Technologies by implementing targeted campaigns, such as posters, flyers, and social
media posts, to increase awareness about the existence and functionality of assistive technologies
in the library