pants and parents that competent travel skills are
not prerequisite to a successful ski outing, but
these skills helped participants to quickly learn
and navigate the environment both on and off the
mountain.
Findings showed that skiing helped the participants with visual impairments expand their
movement and spatial awareness in a supportive
environment. The benefits of skiing went beyond
fitness. They felt that skiing is a lifelong recreational activity that addresses motor skills, development, and endurance. One parent commented
that through the Foresight Ski Guide Program,
"the children transcend their physical limits
through a systematic approach to skiing." Parents
found it exciting to watch kids develop their potential both physically and emotionally by interacting with others with similar disabilities and challenges.
Sensory Efficiency Skills
The sensory efficiency area of the ECC is
one that includes the use of an individual's
senses when his/her sight is impaired. In many
cases, direct instruction in using residual vision,
hearing, and tactual senses is essential to learning. This study found that participants did need to
use their vision and hearing efficiently during the
ski program so it provided great practice opportunities. Participants reported that they mainly used
their hearing to assist them to ski. They listened
to their guide's directions and then attempted to
follow them as best they could. Several participants noted the importance of developing their
listening skills. It was easy to get distracted, especially if the day was windy. Those with low vision used their remaining vision during skiing a
great deal. They needed goggles in order to reduce the glare and due to the changing light that
shadows caused. Individuals with low vision reported that they still relied on their guide's voice
as their vision was not always reliable when mov-
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