VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 4
Engaging in sports and physical activity has been widely recognized for
enhancing quality of life, supporting psychological well-being, and promoting
socialization, relationship-building, and communication skills (Morela et al.,
2024). The benefits of physical activity for youth with disabilities are numerous
and include increased self-efficacy, reduced anxiety or stress, and improved health-
related quality of life (Bloemen et al., 2017; Martin, 2013). However, youth with
visual impairments and blindness often lack access to quality physical activity
experiences.
Physical activity is particularly important for youth with visual impairment
as it enhances not only physical fitness and health but also psychological
well‑being, socialization, and motor skill development. According to Cain et al.
(2023), many students with visual impairments have positive views of physical
activity and are indeed motivated to participate, but the barriers they face include
opportunities and societal factors that may make it difficult to attain the myriad of
benefits that physical activity potentially provides. Physical activity offers chances
to build friendships and social connectedness and, therefore, impact overall quality
of life. Furthermore, for children with visual impairments in particular, physical
activity can contribute to decreased injury from falls, increased postural control,
and improved orientation and mobility skills (Boguszewsk et al., 2013; Müürsepp
et al., 2018; Rogge et al., 2021). Additionally, physical activity yields benefits to
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