Physical Education for Children and 

Youth with Visual Impairments

Louis M. Tutt

Maryland School for the Blind

Bob Brasher

Educational Services  for the Visually Impaired

State of Arkansas

            Physical activities, whether structured, are important in the lives of boys and girls, men and women.  All children and youth deserve formal and informal opportunities to fully develop their physical skills and abilities.  Children and youth who are visually impaired should have every opportunity to participate in physical activities with children who are sighted and to have specific physical activities adapted when necessary to meet their individual needs at various growth and developmental stages. 

            Physical education is the development of motor skills.  It contributes to the student’s cognitive, effective, and psychomotor development.  Adapted physical education is a diversified program of developmental activities, games, sports, and rhythms suited to the interests and capabilities of students with visual impairments.  If, after a thorough evaluation by physical educators and/or adapted physical educators, the educational team determines that unrestricted physical education participation for the student with visual impairments may not be successful or safely engaged in, then adapted physical education activities are needed.  Without physical education, be it regular or adapted, students with visual impairments are at risk of not developing good locomotor skills necessary for fitness and wellness.  Stereotypical barriers or fear of liability must not exclude students with visual impairments from participating in appropriate physical education activities.