2. everyday 100 people start to loose their sight
There is a link between sight loss and reduced wellbeing.
Over 1/3 of older people with sight loss are also
living with depression
2 million
people living with sight loss
2/3 of people registered blind and partially sighted are not in paid employment
37%
male
63%
female
everyday 100 people start to loose their sight
9% of visually impaired people are physically active
250,000 children
living with sight loss
33 % of inactive visually impaired people want to do more sport

3. educate the sports workforce
manage competitions and leagues
organise national events
Established in 1975 British Blind Sport is one seven National Disability Sport Organisations dedicated to enhancing sport and physical activity for the specific impairment group. BBS’ role is to enable blind and partially sighted people to have equal access to sport and physical activity.
create local VI networks which promote opportunities, share good practice and drive the development of VI sport locally
Work with National Governing Bodies of Sport to ensure their offer is accessible to VI people
deliver sport specific projects in partnership with NGBs and sport organisations
provide advice and guidance to VI people about local opportunities

4. Understanding Sight Loss
‘a limitation in one or more functions of the eye or visual system’
blind partially sighted
Visual acuity : a person’s ability to see fine detail
Visual field : the boundaries of what a person can see in on instant; the entire area which can be seen without moving the eyes
Visual impairment can be congenital or acquired

5. Eye Conditions Macular Degeneration
Discuss coaching implications:
Team sports may be harder
May struggle with directions of a ball
Macular degeneration affects a tiny part of the retina and causes a loss of vision in the centre of the visual field. People with this condition will usually have useful peripheral vision, but may struggle to recognise the faces of their teammates.

6. Eye Conditions Glaucoma
As a coach, be aware of where you stand to demonstrate – stand directly in front of the participant
Glaucoma causes a loss of peripheral vision due to damage to the optic nerve or increased eye pressure. This condition occurs gradually and will result in a significant reduction of peripheral vision over time. While treatment exists for glaucoma, it can’t repair the existing sight loss.

7. Eye Conditions Cataracts
Wearing Bright Colours can someone with Cataracts. Using brightly coloured equipment will also help.
Cataracts cause blurred or cloudy vision, as result of yellowy pigment on the lens of the eyes. This condition is the main cause of visual impairment across the globe. To treat cataracts, surgery can be used to remove the cloudy lens.

8. Eye Conditions Diabetic retinopathy
Fast moving sports may difficult, especially where you have to focus on multiple moving cues (tennis)
Diabetic retinopathy can affect anyone with diabetes. It causes floaters and blurred vision, resulting from damage to the retina due to high blood sugar levels.

9. Understanding the needs of visually impaired people
Ask questions …?
How are you getting to the venue? Do you someone to meet and greet you?
How much can you see?
Do you require a guide?
Are you a guide dog user?
Have you acquired your visual impairment or were you born with it?
How does light affect you?
Where I can stand for you to best see me?
Do you help in the changing rooms?
It is important to understand the needs of visually impaired person to deliver an accessible and inclusive sessions. Accessibility refers to everything from accessing the sports session to participating and the delivery of the session.

10. Adaptations and Modifications
Equipment
Rules
Use audible equipment
Use larger and brighter equipment
Be conscious of colour contrast
Allow a VI person time to feel the equipment
Alter the number of players on a team
Introduce a handicap system
Add in additional rules to ensure VI people have a chance to experience play
Delivery
Playing area, environment
Guide participants around the playing area or designated space, describe features
Use tactile makers to identify boundaries
Be conscious of how natural or artificial light can affect vision
Keep the area free of obstacles
Give detailed instructions
Inform other participants that a VI person is part of the session
Do not be afraid to move or manipulate the participant to demonstrate the correct body position, but always ask first

11. Adaptations and Modifications – Sports Examples
Football
Blind Football (B1) uses an audible ball, is played 5 a side on an small astro-turf, with a sighted goalkeeper.
Partially Sighted Football, uses a larger football
Goalball
Invented specifically for VI people, 3 aside, involves two teams rolling or bouncing an audible ball into a goal, the full length of the pitch
Tennis
Is known as Sound Tennis, uses an audible ball, string is used to mark the boundaries to make them tactile and the racquet is shorter
Acoustic Shooting
A special sight is used which transfers light into sound. The closer a shooter is to the centre, the brighter the light and the higher the sound.
Cricket
Larger, audible balls are used. The stumps are larger and usually painted white.
Running
Sighted Guides are used to support people on the track on the road.

12. Signposting Further reading Opportunities www.britishblindsport.org.uk
British Blind Sport Educational Resources
Opportunities
Local sports clubs
County Sport Partnerships
Local VI Networks
Sight Support Services
British Blind Sport events and projects