The Department of Visual Impairment Studies (VIS) is one of the five (5) departments in the Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation at Kyambogo University, Uganda. The department was established in January 2022 by dividing the former Special Needs Studies (SNS) department in the faculty following the consultations and recommendations of the Restructuring Committee of the Government of Uganda, 2018 that instituted the Kyambogo University New University Structure 2021/2023-2026/2027.
The Visual Impairment Studies department was formulated in order to provide comprehensive specialized services for persons with visual impairment both in educational institutions and in the community. The department provides professional services in visual impairment teaching, learning, research, and technical support services to the faculty, university, and the community.
In its operations, the department liaises and collaborates with Development Agencies and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in Uganda such as National Association of the Blind (UNAB), National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), UNICEF, Light for the World, Sight Savers International, Sense International, Humanity and Inclusion among other organizations on various engagements in research and other technical services’ consultancy.
The department’s work is linked and contributes to a number of global and national development frameworks focused on visual impairment studies and the interests of persons with visual impairment.