Equipping Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired with Outdoor Activity Skills

Hearing shrieks of laughter and commotion outside, Jane peeked through the blinds. Ah, the neighborhood kids are playing soccer on the Biggs’ front yard. New to the street, she didn’t yet know the ages of all the children, but they looked to be between five and eight years old, similar in age to her Theo. She wondered, as she had many times before, if Theo would fit in with his peers who had typical vision. If only he could play soccer, this would be the perfect opportunity to foster friendship.

As you may already know, Theo and others who are blind or visually impaired can indeed play soccer or other outdoor activities. With thoughtful preparation of accessible equipment and providing instruction in the movements, rules, and nuances of games, outdoor activities can be a wonderful way to not only foster friendships and social skills, but also to promote self-confidence, physical health, and recreation/leisure endeavors.

A group of kids running outside flying a kite

To help you equip your child with the ability to get involved in outdoor activities and games, read through the following articles and blogs:

Work with your child’s teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist to implement what you’ve learned. Your child absolutely can and should be given the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, participate in recreation and leisure activities, and pursue group games!