ENSURING SAFE MOVEMENTS TO ACCESS THE SPORTS FIELD

When welcoming a blind or visually impaired child into a sports environment, the most important principle is this: every child is unique. While there are universal safety and inclusion practices, the pace and manner in which they are applied should be tailored to each individual. Let the child guide you: ask how quickly they want to explore the space and allow them to take the lead in getting to know their environment.

According to the Macular Society, visually impaired individuals rely heavily on non-visual cues such as sound and touch. Therefore, sports coaches, physical education teachers, staff, and caregivers should be mindful of health and safety considerations without allowing them to become barriers to inclusion. Risks should be assessed, not avoided, and mitigated through practical, supportive measures.

Remember: Small changes can make a big difference.

In the Gym or Indoor Facilities

• Describe the space clearly: Before an activity starts, offer a detailed verbal description of the layout, pointing out key reference points, exits, and any potential hazards or obstacles.

• Keep spaces organized: Make sure the area is free from clutter and that equipment is placed with intention. Avoid unexpected or low-lying obstacles.

• Always inform the child if they’ll be alone or left waiting. Uncertainty can cause stress or disorientation.

• Use a sighted guide if necessary: Offer your arm just above the elbow (particularly if you’re of similar height), allowing the child to walk beside you with confidence and stability.

• Raise awareness: Ensure all other participants and staff are informed that a visually impaired child is present. This promotes safety, understanding, and cooperation.

• Emergency preparedness: Have a clear evacuation plan in place, and make sure the child knows what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. Assign a guide or peer buddy to support them if needed.

• Insurance: Always ensure that your facility and activities are properly insured to protect participants, staff, and the organization.

More information: British Blind Sport, A Guide To Visually Impaired Friendly Sport.

In the Swimming Pool Area 

• Welcome with calm: Assign a specific staff member or teacher to guide the child in a quiet and controlled setting. Start by asking if they would like assistance, never assume.

• Sighted guiding: If they accept assistance, offer your arm in the standard position (above the elbow), and walk at a pace comfortable for them. Maintain a consistent path to help the child memorize their route.

• Explore by touch: Allow the child to physically explore important elements of the pool area, such as edges, ladders, handrails, ramps, showers, and turnstiles.

• Organize the space: Keep equipment clearly separated and walkways wide to facilitate easy movement and orientation.

• Use verbal cues: Verbally describe surroundings, distances, and features. Even sharing fun facts or details can lighten the mood and build connection.

• Install sensory aids:

– Sound emitters: These can be installed near entrances, changing rooms, or poolside areas with distinct sounds to help children navigate.

– Tactile ground indicators: Affordable and effective, these textured floor markers help define safe paths and guide movement.

– Floor markings: Use contrast tape or textured mats to define boundaries and guide paths.

• Safe entry and emergency awareness: Teach the child how to safely enter and exit the pool, where to find handrails and emergency exits, and how to identify safe zones in case of an incident.

In the following two videos, practical demonstrations of guidance techniques for climbing and descending stairs are presented. These methods are part of the foundational skills for moving safely around sports facilities and should be taught early in a child’s orientation process.

How to guide a blind student: hallways, spaces, and stairs

1. Offer Your Arm (don’t grab theirs!)

Always ask first if they would like to be guided. Offer your arm (usually the one opposite their preferred side), allowing them to hold just above your elbow. This helps them sense your movements and anticipate direction changes.

2. Walk Half a Step Ahead

Walk half a step in front of them so they can follow your pace and detect surface or direction changes. If the space narrows (e.g., a tight hallway or doorway), let them know by saying: “The space is narrowing, walk behind me”. Then, gently move your guiding arm slightly behind you – this signals that they should walk in a single file while maintaining contact.

3. Announce Stairs (both up and down)

Before approaching stairs, pause briefly and clearly state:

• “We’re going up the stairs, there are X steps.”
• “We’re going down the stairs, there are X steps.” Always indicate whether there is a handrail and on which side.

4. Going Up or Down Together

Continue walking at your normal pace and let the person follow. Avoid pulling or pushing. When you reach the last step, clearly say:

• “Last step, now we’re on the flat.” or “We’ve reached the bottom.”

5. New or Large Spaces

In unfamiliar or large spaces, such as a gym or sports field, it’s useful to do an exploratory walk together beforehand. Let the student feel the boundaries of the space and locate key objects (doors, benches, equipment), while calmly and clearly explaining where the activity will take place.

6. Use of the White Cane

During sports activities, the white cane should not be used, as it may pose a risk to the children and others. To ensure safe mobility, a guide will be provided (teacher, coach, or trained peer) to assist the student using appropriate and agreed-upon guiding techniques. Even during transitions within the school or around the sports field (outside of the activity itself), the student may choose not to use the cane if they are accompanied by a trained and trusted guide. However, it’s always a good idea to have the cane folded and within easy reach, in case the student needs to move independently for short periods.