International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

Abstract

The study aimed at finding out what mode of communication prevail in Ghana, which one is very effective to benefit all categories of student who are hearing impaired in the various schools and the community, with particular reference to Bechem School for the Deaf in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The study made use of questionnaires, interviews and observations. The sample was sixty (60), including thirty-two (32) students, ten (10) teachers, ten (10) parents, two (2) officers from Special Education Division of Ghana Education Service (GES) and four (4) executive members of Ghana National Association of the Deaf as well as two Headmasters. The result of the study was analysed according to a demographic distribution of respondents’ status, gender and age. Simple statistical descriptions of analysis of opinions of the people were done using simple percentage, backed by Venn diagram and Bar graphs. The findings were able to give the researcher information that Sign Language (SL) was the prescribed mode of communication for the Hearing Impaired no matter their level of hearing since it was a policy from the Special Education Directorate. Recommendations made include the use of Total Communication as an effective teaching and learning mode that would benefit all categories of Hearing Impaired according to their linguistic needs in the schools and the community at large. There should also be speech therapists, speech rooms and auditory training units with individuals wearing hearing aids in the schools. Effective Sign Language teachers, interpreters and books for Sign Language must also be in the various schools for those interested in Sign Language.

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Abstract

Progress in technology has made it possible for new materials to be introduced in production of goods. Sculptures have been done using conventional materials such as clay, metal, stone, plaster of Paris, cement, plastiscine and others.  These materials are expensive and difficult to acquire.  Besides, works from these materials are massive.  Searching for new grounds in sculpture makes it expedient to explore alternative materials. Giving the reason that this technological age calls for a lot of experimenting with new materials and methods of working with old materials, the use of leather for sculpture is worth experimenting.  There is the need for further exploration within the boundaries of leather that can be incorporated into sculpture to be known as leather-sculpture.

In this search, leather was identified, processed and used to make sculpture.  In the modelling, an armature was built and reinforced with mashed paper mixed with P.V.A. glue.  Leather was then modelled with Formica glue and left to dry.  The relief image was carved on elephant leather by removing the unwanted parts bit by bit to achieve the desired form, and then polished with lacquer.  The cast image in leather was made from a clay mould.  It was dried with a hand dryer to take the form of the mould, and then given a finish.  The constructed forms were done by gluing pieces of different sizes of leather on cards with Formica glue to create forms.  The forms were then joined into the constructed image with a good finish.

The works produced in this project are portable, lightweight and transportable sculptures that are suitable for indoor decoration.  The skills involved can be used to produce small and lightweight sculptures as souvenir to give the tourism industry a boost.  Besides, the scare, which is a hindrance to sculpture, as expressed by the young ones, due to its strenuous nature, it is limited.  It is a clue to those who find it cumbersome and difficult in the acquisition of the conventional materials for sculpture.  It is recommended that other durable leather is explored for sculpture.

In order to boost up Ghana’s tourism industry, the project report will motivate sculptors to produce more sculptures of this kind of compliment the other leather articles that are already on the Ghanaian market.  Leather was conveniently used in modelling, carving, casting and construction.  It is generally recommended that sculptors and students produce more sculpture in leather.

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