Recreation Resources

Resources compiled by Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 28, 2025
​Participation in recreation and physical activity is essential for the development of motor skills, social interaction, and overall well-being. Individuals who are blind or visually impaired may require adaptations and specialized equipment to access and enjoy these activities fully.

Sources for Adapted Equipment & Supplies

  • Abilitations Integrations Catalog (School Specialty) sells products for people with sensory processing disorders, learning differences, attention and focus issues, behavioral concerns, and autistic spectrum disorder. 
  • Buddy Bike manufactures and distributes an alternative tandem bicycle for cyclists with special needs. 
  • Concept 2 manufactures rowing machines with accessible controls. 
  • Flaghouse is a supplier that offers resources for physical activity, recreation, education and special needs. Adapted Physical Education materials include beeper balls, a beeper baseball kit, beeper box set.
  • Glow Products sells a variety of glow and light-up products, including light-up or glow-in-the-dark soccer balls, baseballs, golf balls, and Frisbees.
  • Gopher sells products for fitness, athletics, recreation, physical education, and health, including high-contrast activity balls and hoops; colored volleyballs, nets, headbands, mats, medicine balls, scooter boards, pinnies, jump ropes, and bean bags; parachutes; blindfolds; high-contrast cones and markers; and gym floor tape. 
  • Independent Living Aids sells products for individuals who are visually impaired or blind, including sports and recreation balls with beepers, colors, or bells; sound-emitting locator devices; goal balls; and regulation soccer balls with bells.
  • Maxi-Aids sells products for people with visual, hearing, and mobility disabilities. Sells high-contrast balls and balls with beepers and bells. 
  • Rousettus LLC manufactures and distributes a yoga mat with tactile markings for people who are visually impaired.
  • Targe Innovations develops and distributes equipment for goalball and rugby and for Paralympic athletes, including goalballs, goalball pads, visors, and rugby training balls.

Featured Adapted Recreation Equipment

Balls & Ball Games
  • APH Sound Ball Two-tone ball designed for students who wear hearing aids; emits a lower-pitched sound.
  • DuraBeep Ball (Sporttime) Battery-powered ball with built-in audio for throwing, catching, and kicking.
  • Beeping Soccer Ball / Beeping Basketball Commercially available balls that include bells or directional beepers for audio feedback.
  • Goalballs Designed for the sport of goalball with built-in bells.
  • Beeper Box DIY solution for turning standard balls into beeping balls. Available at Amazon and BrailleBookstore.com.
Aquatic & Fitness Equipment
  • Adaptap A lane navigation system for swimmers, allowing safer and straighter swimming.
  • Static Band Treadmill accessory for improved balance and posture while walking or running.
  • Walk-Run for Fitness Kit (APH) Includes personal guidewire system and adjustable tether for guided running or walking.
PE & Sports Kits
  • 30-Love Tennis Kit (APH) Includes blindfolds, rackets, sound-adapted tennis balls, and a guidebook for adapted tennis play.
  • Jump Rope to Fitness Kit (APH) Provides three jump rope styles, shock-absorbing mat, and tools to promote independent jump roping.
  • Portable Sound Source, Sport Edition (APH) Creates directional audio cues for sound localization, sports, and O&M training. Includes a guidebook for sound-based games and activities.

​Tips for Adapting Recreation for Students with Visual Impairments

  • Use sound cues (beepers, bells, clapping, verbal directions) to guide movement.
  • Incorporate tactile markers (textured floor tape, raised boundaries) for spatial orientation.
  • Choose high-contrast colors for balls, targets, and court boundaries.
  • Provide peer or adult guidance for unfamiliar activities.
  • Encourage peer inclusion and allow students to explore equipment independently with guidance and safety measures.

ECC Instruction

Teaching the ECC
Thematic units
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development Functional Skills
Alternative Communication Emergent Literacy Braille Slate & Stylus
Tactile Graphics Nemeth Braille Code
Access Classes Cranmer Abacus Organization & Study Skills Time Management Listening Skills Instruction 
VI Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Sensory Efficiency
Independent Living
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational