Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Sports and Inclusion
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The Importance of Sports for Children With Visual Impairments (CWVI)
Overview of CWVI and Their Specific Needs in Sports
Module 2: Practical Tips to Introduce and Welcome a Blind Child in a Sport Facility
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Ensuring Safe Movements to Access the Sports Field
Spatial Exploration
Environment and Boundaries: Tactile Maps
Module 3: Methods of Explaining Exercises to CWVI
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Verbalizing Exercises and Instructions
Tactile Modeling
Tactile Maps to Explain Game Situations
Module 4: Guiding Methods for CWVI During Sport Activities
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Guidance Through Contact
Verbal or Auditory Guidance
Module 5: Adaptation of Sports Equipment
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Sports Equipment Adaptation
Tips for Swimming Equipment Adaptation
Module 6: Strategies for Engagement and Motivation
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Using Games and Motor Fairy Tales
Using Competition as Motivational Tool
Module 7: Sport-Specific Training for CWVI – Athletics
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Running Techniques: Guidance Methods
Teaching Progressions for Running Technique
Jumping Techniques
Jump Regulations
Throwing Techniques
Module 8: Sport-Specific Training for CWVI – Swimming
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The Swimming Pool Area: Adapted Tips for Spatial Exploration
Warm-up Activities
Basic Swimming Techniques
Jump and Dive
Rules and How to Organize Swimming Competition for Children with Visual Impairments
Module 9: Additional Resources & References
Final Quiz
MOOC Course to Promote Sport and Approach to Movement Among Children With Visual Impairments
About Lesson

OVERVIEW OF CWVI AND THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS IN SPORTS

Visual Impairment is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) as a decrease in or restriction of visual acuity and/or visual field.

Legally, a blind person is a person whose vision, even with a visual aid, such as glasses, is 20/200 or less in the best-seeing eye. Additionally, people with around 20.70 to 20/200 vision are called low vision (WHO, 2018). Estimations indicated that 217 million people worldwide have moderate to severe visual impairment, and about 36 million are blind (Oleszkiewicz, Pisanski, Sorokowska, 2017).

For more information, read our Booklet on Best Practices for Involving Children With Visual Impairments in Sports Activities.

Children with visual impairments often face significant barriers to participating in physical activity and sports. These challenges can lead to social isolation, reduced physical development, and an increased risk of exclusion from group activities.

Although several initiatives have been introduced to promote inclusion through adaptive physical education and sport-specific programs, there remains a lack of comprehensive research evaluating their impact, particularly in light of the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic (Alcaraz-Rodríguez V, et al. 2021).

A review study conducted in 2021 aimed to provide substantial evidence regarding the characteristics and effectiveness of programs designed to include individuals with visual impairments in physical activities and sports, highlighting the urgent need for knowledge sharing in this field. The key findings revealed that these programs improve the self-perception of individuals with disabilities, promote social skills and health, and enhance the social value of individuals with disabilities within their communities.

Among the overall conclusions were the need for specialized training, the significance of social inclusion, and the active engagement of individuals with visual impairments in their environments, as well as an increase in their levels of physical activity.

Common Misconceptions About CWVI in Sports

“Blind children can’t play sport… can they?”

One of the most persistent barriers is the misconception that children who are blind or visually impaired cannot participate in sports. This belief often stems from a lack of understanding and exposure rather than actual limitations.

Other common myths include:

  • They have limited coordination and therefore cannot compete.

  • They automatically develop compensatory abilities, such as heightened hearing or spatial awareness.

  • Sports can only be competitive, rather than focusing on fun, health, or skill development.

In reality, children with visual impairments can participate in a wide range of sports and physical activities, especially when these activities are properly adapted. 

Participation not only enhances physical ability but also promotes emotional resilience, independence, and a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

Hearing “you can” instead of “you can’t” can be a powerful motivator. Each small success helps build confidence and reinforces a child’s belief in their own potential.

There are many ways to adapt sports for CWVI.

Physical education and sports programs can be modified in simple but effective ways to include children with visual impairments:

  • Use specialized equipment and auditory equipment, such as balls with bells inside.
  • Replace standard balls with brightly colored, high-contrast options.
  • Mark field or court boundaries with high-contrast tape for greater visibility.
  • Introduce non-competitive activities like yoga or dance that focus on movement and rhythm.
  • Use sighted guides for walking or running, with verbal communication or tether systems.
  • Create sensory-rich obstacle courses using safe materials like pool noodles, tactile surfaces, and tunnels.

With thoughtful modifications and inclusive practices, sports can become a transformative tool for children with visual impairments, supporting not only their physical development, but also their social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

More information: Guide Dogs, Physical Education and sport for children with low vision or blindness.

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