VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 4
importance of considering these motivational patterns when designing inclusive
sports programs for individuals with visual impairments.
Taken together, these insights reveal that while the motivations for engaging
in sport may differ across types of disabilities and developmental stages, the
underlying value of sport as a tool for empowerment whether through health-
related goals, social connections, or physical skill building, is consistently
recognized by youth and their families. This emphasizes the need for adapted sport
programs to be responsive not only to physical capabilities, but also to the
emotional and social needs of youth with visual impairments. Overall, motivation
may be closely tied to social context and emotional experience which will foster
positive environments that can play a key role in encouraging physical activity in
this population.
Barriers to Participation
Despite interest and motivation to participate in physical activity, young
people with visual impairments experience access and societal barriers to entry.
According to Chia-Hua et al. (2020), lower levels of physical activity represent a
significant health concern for individuals with visual impairments. Furthermore,
Tindall et al. (2017) report that as compared to their same age peers, children with
visual impairments participate in fewer physical activities. Multiple factors are
involved in the barriers to participation in physical activity by youth with visual
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