Sport is more than just physical activity. For children and young people with visual impairments, it’s a way to explore independence, build confidence, and connect with others. Yet, many of these children still face barriers when trying to access physical education or organized sports. With the right support and adapted approaches, sport can be a life-changing experience.
According to the World Health Organization, over 2.2 billion people globally live with some form of vision impairment (WHO, 2019, World Report on Vision). Many of these individuals, especially children, face reduced opportunities to participate in regular physical activities due to a lack of inclusion, awareness, or accessible environments. The result? A higher risk of isolation, poor motor development, and low self-esteem.
But when these barriers are removed, sport becomes a powerful tool for inclusion.
Confidence, Coordination, and Connection
Research published in the Disability and Health Journal (Brian et al., 2019, Correlates of physical activity among children with visual impairments) highlights the positive impact of physical activity on children with visual impairments. It supports the development of bilateral coordination, spatial awareness, and balance, all crucial for day-to-day independence. Activities like swimming, athletics, or even adapted games with sound cues help children learn how to move confidently through space.
Moreover, sport creates moments of social interaction. It promotes teamwork, communication, and a sense of belonging, something every child deserves. Whether it’s through a group warm-up, a running relay, or a friendly game in the pool, children with visual impairments benefit emotionally and socially from shared experiences.
Adapt, Don’t Exclude
It doesn’t take advanced technology or expensive equipment to include a visually impaired child in sports. Simple adaptations, like sound balls, tactile markers, verbal guidance, or sighted partners, can make a big difference. Coaches, educators, and caregivers who receive basic training can learn how to create safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environments for all children.
Games and sports activities can be adapted using sounds, textures, or clearly communicated rules. What matters most is the willingness to include and the creativity to adapt.
Move as You Are: Sport for All
This is the aim of the “Move as you are” project. The project wants to promote inclusive physical activity for children with visual impairments across Europe, providing resources, training, and guidance for teachers, coaches, and organizations who want to make sport accessible to children with visual impairments.
Through “Move as you are”, schools and sport clubs can access innovative materials, discover adapted methods, and learn from best practices across different countries. The project’s core message is clear: sport belongs to everyone. And when we move together, we move forward.