Physical Education for Children and Youth with Visual Impairments 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. 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.