Perception of opportunities and needs of the blind in Poland and Australia

The research presented in the article was conducted in Poland and Australia. It involved 60 participants: 30 people in Poland (19 women and 11 men) and 30 in Australia (14 women and 16 men). They were all university students (Wroc³aw and Melbourne Universities) aged 18–25. The null hypothesis was formulated as follows: there is no difference in how the abilities and needs of blind people are perceived in Poland and Australia. The findings of a study have confirmed hypothesis that here are many similarities between young people from different countries in terms of their attitudes toward the blind, what can be affected by some social and cultural changes in the world. Openness towards others as a feature of young people makes them a possible target audience for various activities aiming at social integration of the blind. Educational activities for young people should be designed to transfer and construct knowledge of abilities and needs of the blind, encourage the students to reflect on them and eventually deepen awareness and foster understanding of the blind and their problems.

The research presented in the article was conducted in Poland and Australia. It involved 60 participants: 30 people in Poland (19 women and 11 men) and 30 in Australia (14 women and 16 men). They were all university students (Wroc³aw and Melbourne Universities) aged 18–25. The null hypothesis was formulated as follows: there is no difference in how the abilities and needs of blind people are perceived in Poland and Australia. The findings of a study have confirmed hypothesis that here are many similarities between young people from different countries in terms of their attitudes toward the blind, what can be affected by some social and cultural changes in the world. Openness towards others as a feature of young people makes them a possible target audience for various activities aiming at social integration of the blind. Educational activities for young people should be designed to transfer and construct knowledge of abilities and needs of the blind, encourage the students to reflect on them and eventually deepen awareness and foster understanding of the blind and their problems.