Inclusive education has now become a key focus in global educational governance. In fact, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 emphasizes the provision of equitable and quality education to all people, inclusive of persons with disabilities. However, despite the above international efforts towards achieving inclusive education, visual impaired students enrolled in Sub-Saharan African universities continue to face numerous challenges in both their academic pursuit and success. The present study seeks to explore some of the challenges faced by visual impaired students at the universities in Cameroon. The study explores the link between institutional inclusion, digital inclusion, teachers' inclusion efforts, social inclusion, and academic performance among visual impaired students. Through the use of the Social Model of Disability and the Capability Approach theories, a mixed methods approach was used where a combination of descriptive analysis, comparative analysis, correlation analysis, and interviews was employed. Data were obtained from some selected state universities in Cameroon. The results show that poor assistive devices, low digital accessibility, poor financial resources, poor accessibility infrastructure, and low inclusive education practices have a negative impact on both academic achievements and social inclusion. Moreover, the research shows that socially isolated and lacking confidence and involvement of visually impaired students are due to stigma and lack of institutional assistance. The comparison analysis shows that educational inclusion and academic success depend on the degree of administrative commitment and digital accessibility within universities. The correlation analysis confirms that a significant positive correlation exists between digital accessibility and academic achievements; therefore, high educational results can be achieved through improved digital access to assistive devices and systems. Likewise, the role of teacher support and social inclusion is significant for academic success.
Inclusive Education, Visually Impaired Students, Higher Education, Cameroon, Digital Accessibility, Disability Inclusion, Sub-Saharan Africa.
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