PE Adaptations

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated May 25, 2024
Incorporating students who are blind or visually impaired into physical education and recreation programs is important for their overall well-being and development. The following are some strategies and considerations to ensure the student has full access and participation.
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  • Understanding Functional Vision: Prior to determining adaptations and specialized equipment, it's crucial to understand each student's functional vision. The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments can provide valuable insights into the student's unique visual needs and recommend appropriate accommodations.
  • Uncluttered Instructional Areas: Keep instructional areas as uncluttered as possible to facilitate movement and navigation for all students, including those with visual impairments.
  • Deliberate Instruction of Recreation Skills: Plan and deliberately teach recreation skills focusing on lifelong skills development. Provide opportunities for students to experience a variety of age-appropriate recreational activities to prepare them for future inclusion and independence.
  • Support Inclusion in Group Activities: Encourage inclusion of students with visual impairments in group activities and ensure they actively participate rather than sit on the sidelines. Describe choices of activities available at recess and allow students to buddy-up with sighted partners during games.
  • Provide Support During Free Play: Offer support from staff during periods of free play on the playground to ensure the safety and inclusion of students with visual impairments. Students should be encouraged to try new activities and build self-confidence through exploration and participation.
  • Motor Imitation and Physical Experience: Recognize that motor imitation is a visual skill, and students who are visually impaired need to experience activities physically. Allow them to explore and engage in activities through physical movement rather than relying on visual cues.

By implementing these strategies and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, educators can ensure that students who are blind or visually impaired have the opportunity to participate fully in physical education and recreation programs, promoting their overall health, social skills, and well-being.

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