Physical Education and Sports
The links in this section provide an introduction to the importance of physical education, fitness, and exercise to the well-being of people with visual impairments.
See also Recreation http://www.perkins.org/clearinghouse/recreation/
Physical Education for Children and Youth with Visual Impairments; Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Visual Impairments
http://www.cecdvi.org/Postion%20Papers/
physical_education.htm
This position paper emphasizes the importance of physical education for students with visual impairments.
Some Thoughts about Physical Education and Blind Kids; Future Reflections, National Federation of the Blind
http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Publications/fr/fr14/Issue1/f140111.html
John Ross shares his thoughts on physical education programs for students who are blind; Dr. Jim Mastro offers a list of hints for physical education and recreation teachers.
Some Thoughts on Adaptive Physical Education; Future Reflections, National Federation of the Blind
http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Publications/fr/fr8/Issue3/f080310.html
Allen Harris discusses adapted physical education and the importance of giving blind children the same opportunities as their sighted peers.
Who Needs Sports? Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/fall03/sports.htm
Jean Robinson "examines the benefits of working on recreation and leisure skills for students with visual impairments and deafblindness and offers some resources for parents and teachers"; available in English and Spanish.
A Position Statement on Including Students with Disabilities in Physical Education; American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness
http://eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/2a/4b/c3.pdf (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
This document outlines some of the instructional considerations for inclusion of students with disabilities in general physical education classes. It explores the meaning of the least restrictive environment and adapted physical education services, and includes a list of frequently asked questions.
Students Speak for Themselves
Me and My P. E. Teacher; Future Reflections, National Federation of the Blind
http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Publications/fr/fr26/Issue2/fr07sum06.htm
Melissa Williamson, a former cheerleader who is blind, talks about "an ordinary high school coach who had no special training in matters of blindness, but who made an extraordinary difference in her life."
Seeing Beyond the Impossible; Future Reflections, National Association of the Blind
http://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/Publications/fr/fr26/Issue2/fr07sum10.htm
David Wright describes his athletic experiences in mainstream physical education classes.