1. Duncan McGregor July 2015

2. People who are physically active tend to be healthier and live longer than those who aren’t Physical activity during childhood and adolescence may lead to greater activity and better health later than life Children who are visually impaired tend to be less active and physically fit than their sighted peers

3. Benefits of Physical Education Activities Develop motor skills, strength, endurance and agility Learn social skills, including cooperation, competition, communication, turn taking, sportsmanship, and getting along with others Learning how a game is played opens up opportunities for social interaction—conversation, watching games on TV, attending games, playing video games Positive phys ed experiences enhance self-esteem

4. Modifications Environmental modifications Modifications to teaching techniques and strategies Modifications to activities

5. Environmental modifications Physical modifications to materials, equipment or field of play that allow student who is visually impaired to participate May be tactile, auditory or visual

6. Modifications to Teaching Techniques and Strategies Physical guidance Tactile modelling Visual modelling Verbal direction

7. Modifications to Activities Running with a guide: Sighted guide technique - may hold wrist instead of arm for greater freedom of movement Tether method: - rope -relay baton Independent running - guide in front (low vision) or behind

8. Advocacy for Participation Inform phys ed teacher of student’s visual functioning Stress what the student can do and how they can benefit from participation Consult with phys ed teacher in planning program and activities Address safety fears with modifications and in-class support It’s not enough to be the scorekeeper