“Recreation Matters” Children with Visual Impairments

Children with visual impairments have significantly lower levels of habitual physical activity, consider themselves less fit relative to peers, and report more limitations for physical activity participation that may be explained by mobility and orientation issues. (Lieberman & McHugh, 2001; Longmuir & Bar-Or, 2000).

Access to physical education, recreation, and athletic programs may be limited for individuals with visual impairments because of instructional, as well as community barriers and a general lack of opportunity. (Kozub & Porretta, 1998; Lieberman, Wilson- Houston, & Kozub, 2002).

Children with visual impairments show delays in motor development, such as poor balance and inefficient gait, which may be byproducts of sedentary behaviors during the developmental years. (Bouchard & Tetrault, 2000; Horvat et al., 2003)

Why is Recreation Involvement Crucial for a Child with a Visual Impairment? Exposure/experience Development of play-skills Opportunities for peer interaction and peer modeling Developing friendships Increased self-esteem/self-confidence Increased health and wellness Experience trying various adapted equipment/programs Learning a new skill that may lead to a life-long activity Having fun!

Do I have the knowledge to provide support, information, and encouragement for a child with a visual impairment to participate in an activity either at school or in the community?

What Can I do? Listen Support Encourage Find resource information Provide an opportunity Make it happen!

Recreation Ideas Is it realistic? Is it inclusive? Is it a life-long skill? Does the child require support? Adapted program and/or equipment? Cost/Funding opportunities

Where do I Seek Information? Provincial Blind Sports Associations Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (Moving to Inclusion Binders, Provincial Disabled Sports Associations Community Centres Child Development Centres Recreation Therapists Vision Consultants

“Sport and recreation are vital parts of life and participation in these activities afford students with low vision or blindness a chance for freedom, independence, pride and social opportunities that they need.” (Amato, 2008)

Christina Duncan, BHK, TRP Recreation Therapist Visual Impairment Program Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children (604) ext:8248 Bruce Taylor, MS, COMS Vision Consultant Visual Impairment Program Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children (250) ext:36360