1. WAIT! Do you have students in your district who are
Visually Impaired or Blind?
Can we help improve your PE and Sport programs?
Are you aware of the MANY opportunities you can provide
to not only the students, but to your teachers and coaches
as well?
Inclusive Physical Education Classes!
How to include? Here are some basic steps to make inclusion more beneficial for
both the teacher and the student who is Visually Impaired or Blind.
1. Seek out and make use of Adapted Physical Education Consultants and
Teachers of the Visually Impaired or Orientation and Mobility Instructors
2. Utilize Resources within the school (Paraeducators, Peer Mentors)
Ex. Train Paraeducators and peer mentors prior to a unit, or go over the
lesson plan with them
3. Structure the Environment for Safety and Navigation
Ex. Tactile Environment, Auditory feedback, Pre-teach the layout of the
facility and equipment using a tactile board then attempt to navigate the
environment to familiarize the student.
4. Instructional Modifications
Tactile Modeling: When the child feels the instructor or peer go through the
motions of a skill.
Physical Guidance: When the instructor moves the child through the motions
of a skill.
This information will allow for teachers and school districts to be in compliance
with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and if they already are, they can
benefit from these and many other teaching tips, and activity ideas available to you.
Turn to Back for More Information Regarding Sporting Opportunities!
Don’t get
stuck
at the
Red Light
with your
students!
Hit the
Green
Light!
Access for
All!
2. Here are a FEW examples, but there are MANY more that students with a
Visual Impairment or are Blind can participate in competitively.
Track / Cross Country: Guide runner (tether running) Guide Wire (sprinting events)
Long Jump (clapping cadence)
Swimming: Use of a tapper for proximity safety near edges
Gymnastics: Tactile Modeling, Physical Guidance instruction techniques.
Wrestling: Constant Contact throughout the match, starting with an overhand and
underhand touch of the hands when in the neutral position.
Soccer/Volleyball: Florescent colored ball, with beads inside.
Golf: Use of a coach / spotter, or no assistance at all!
____________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have questions about different sports for students who are Visually Impaired
or Blind?
Please Research or Consult with:
campabilities.org – Link to Camp Abilities Brockport (Instructional Videos and links
to teaching VI sports)
USABA.org - United States Association for Blind Athletes: All VI Paralympic Sports
can be viewed and explained here. Students may be inspired to become part of the
USA Paralympic Team one day!
http://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/physical-education.html- Provides
modifications to equipment, and innovative inclusion ideas for activities!
Dr. Lauren Lieberman – Distinguished service professor at The College at Brockport
/ Camp Abilities Brockport co-Director: Email – llieberm@u.brockport.edu or
Phone: (work) 585-395-5361 (cell) 585-943-2829
Adam Dwyer – Lavelle Foundation Grant Graduate Assistant:
Email – adwye1@u.brockport.edu or Phone: 607-661-6825