People with Visual Impairment “Watching” Television? Leisure Pursuits of People with Visual Impairment in Ghana.

Leisure pursuits of people with visual impairment is one of the under researched concepts in disability discourse. Employing focus group discussions, this study explored the leisure pursuits of people with visual impairment in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. The study revealed that leisure pursuits among people with visual impairment is underlined by their socio-cultural, economic and political milieu. Their leisure pursuits include chatting, sleeping, listening to radio, meditation and watching television. Some activities such as watching of television is traditionally considered to be beyond the ability of people with visual impairment, however, this was pursued for multiple reasons including as a form of resistance to traditional stereotypes on visual impairment as well as its educational and informative values. Reasons underlying their leisure pursuits include availability and accessibility, desire to obtain information and relaxation.