Physical EducationDuncan McGregor

July 2015

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

Benefits of Physical Education ActivitiesDevelop motor skills, strength, endurance

and agilityLearn 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

Modifications

Environmental modificationsModifications to teaching techniques and strategies

Modifications to activities

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

Modifications to Teaching Techniques and Strategies

Physical guidanceTactile modellingVisual modellingVerbal direction

Modifications to ActivitiesRunning 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

Advocacy for ParticipationInform phys ed teacher of student’s visual

functioningStress what the student can do and how they

can benefit from participationConsult with phys ed teacher in planning

program and activitiesAddress safety fears with modifications and

in-class supportIt’s not enough to be the scorekeeper