Needs and Challenges of Iranian Blind and Visually-impairedLearners with Regard to English Language Learning

There has been increasing interest in learning English among blind and visually impaired (IV)learners, though they do not receive the same level of attention as sighted English learners.This study used a mixed-methods design to investigate the attitudes, needs, and challenges ofIranian blind and VI learners in order to learn English as a foreign language. A total of ۱۰۱blind and VI learners participated in the survey, and ۲۵ participated in the interview. Theresults indicated that the blind and VI learners had a positive attitude toward learning Englishas a foreign language. The participants perceived that learning English language skills wereimportant and could help them have a better future.

Keywords:

blind learners , visually impaired (IV) learners , EFL , challenges , attitude