Duncan McGregor July 2015

Restrictions in Movement Mobility for a child who is blind, is restricted because of their inability to visualize the environment: - Unable to see potential obstacles and dangers (fear) - Unable to see things of interest in the distance (no motivation) These restrictions can negatively impact motor development, so They may require extra encouragement, stimulations and intervention to move and explore

Lying Down Supine: infant often prefers to lie on back. Affords better support and requires little active movement. - without stimulation, tends to lie passively, resisting movement or changes in position Prone: may not like this position—more work! - no visual incentive to raise their head, or to maintain it in that position for long

Sitting Tend to slump forward with head down May “W sit for a wider base of support—better balance This can affect normal hip joint formation, knees, and inhibits development of rotation

Movement Transitions May take longer to change position because of lack of balance, confidence and movement opportunities— lack of visual stimulation

Crawling Children who are blind may skip this stage Resulting in limited development of pelvic stability Children develop hip rotation, strength in upper extremities, through crawling

Walking Children who are blind may tend to walk with feet wide apart, or shuffle to feel more secure May hold arms in high guard position “waddle-walking: - wide base of support - toes out-turned - knees locked

Motor Coordination Children who are visually impaired may not have the same ability to imitate movement patterns (modelling) May be affected in activities that involve visual-motor coordination (e.g., phys. ed. activities, such as catching or kicking a ball)