abilities to discuss sports socially. Having knowledge of traditional sports
may allow students with visual impairments to socialize with peers or family while participating in
and discussing them. Nationally televised events,
such as the Super Bowl or World Series gain
more meaning for students with visual impairments when they have more knowledge of the
sports.
Sports for individuals with visual impairments, including goalball, beep baseball, or
power showdown are important to include in
physical education programs as well. Participation in sports for individuals with visual impairments is one way students can learn about role
models who are professional athletes who have
visual impairments. Most residential schools for
the blind hold interscholastic competitions in
sports for individuals with visual impairments, and
the physical education program is a perfect place
to introduce skills and strategies.
Sports for individuals who have visual impairments have, for the most part,
national organizations that sanction and promote
them. For example, the United
States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) provides opportunities for all athletes to participate
including bocce, soccer, softball, bowling, and
archery. During physical education, teachers can
introduce those skills and activities while also discussing opportunities to participate outside of
school with their students. Students can be encouraged to participate in local community events
outside of school to continue to be physically active. This is a significant step toward lifelong participation in physical activities.
12
Including Residential Students in Community
Schools
Including residential school students into
inclusive settings takes planning and thoughtful-
