Division on Visual Impairments

DVI Quarterly Volume 58(1)

A quarterly newsletter from the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Visual Impairments containing practitioner tips for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and other professionals.

Issue link: http://dvi.uberflip.com/i/208464

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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- 37

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