Investigation of a Recreational Ski
Program on Individuals who are Visually Impaired
Paula Conroy, Ed.D., Mark G. Davis,
Randy Witte
The importance of physical activity and fitness for blind and visually impaired individuals is
well-documented. Research has shown that individuals who are blind and visually impaired display lower physical activity levels than sighted individuals in general. This is for several reasons,
including (but not limited to): lack of access to
sports experiences, lack of trained instructors,
lack of practice opportunities, lack of confidence
in movement, inactive lifestyles, and overprotection (Kozub & Oh, 2004; Lieberman & McHugh,
2001). However, students with visual impairments
have been shown to have greater need for physical activity than do their sighted peers as activities of daily living require more exertion (Dunn &
Leitschuh, 2006). Additionally, research has
shown that individuals with visual impairments
can attain levels of physical fitness comparable to
those of their sighted peers (Lieberman, Stuart,
Hand, & Robinson, 2006). While the rationale for
recreational programs for the blind and visually
impaired is strong, it is necessary to measure the
outcomes of these programs in order to ascertain
specific areas of benefit. Through this qualitative
study, investigators sought to gain insight to the
impact of one ski program, Foresight Ski Guides,
on the participants from the perspective of the
participants and their families.
Method
The participants in this project were 20 students ages 8-18 and their parents. Participants in
the study were selected from an indication of will-
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