Exposing Your Child Who is Blind or Low Vision to Hobbies

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Hobbies are more than just fun! They’re a gateway to learning, growth, and self-confidence. When children engage in hobbies, they learn that practice leads to improvement and discover skills that extend far beyond the activity itself. 

Why Hobbies Matter 

  • Skill Building: Hobbies help children develop academic skills like reading and writing and practical skills such as cooking, gardening, or playing an instrument. 
  • Social Interaction: Many hobbies encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and communication—essential life skills. 
  • Self-Confidence: Mastering a hobby can empower your child and boost their self-esteem. 
  • Creativity and Expression: Whether through art, music, or storytelling, hobbies offer a creative outlet that supports personal growth. 

Tailoring Hobbies to Your Child’s Interests 

To help your child find hobbies they love, consider: 

  • Assessing Abilities and Interests: What does your child enjoy? What are they curious about? What skills are they naturally developing, like fine motor skills or social interaction? 
  • Exploring Various Options: Introduce a range of group and individual hobbies to see what excites them. 
  • Customizing: Adapt activities to your child’s unique needs so they can participate safely and fully. 

Adaptive Sports and Physical Activities 

  • Beep Baseball/Beep Soccer: These games use sound-emitting balls, allowing children to follow the ball through auditory cues. 
  • Goalball: A team sport designed for visually impaired players that relies on sound cues. 
  • Dance and Movement: Dance classes or activities emphasizing rhythmic music and tactile guidance. 
  • Nature Walks: Organized outdoor walks where children can explore different textures, sounds, and scents in a safe, guided environment. 

Sensory and Tactile Arts 

  • Tactile Drawing and Sculpting: Use raised-line drawing boards or clay to create art that can be felt and seen. 
  • Music and Percussion: Explore instruments like drums, tambourines, or adaptive keyboards. Consider joining accessible music classes. 
  • Crafts with Texture: Engage in bead stringing, knitting, or collage-making with various textured materials. 

Cooking and Gardening 

  • Adaptive Cooking: Experiment with simple, tactile recipes and kitchen tools designed for accessibility. Cooking teaches math, science, fine motor skills, and independent living skills. 
  • Sensory Gardening: Create a garden focused on scent, touch, and sound (e.g., rustling leaves). Gardening nurtures responsibility and a love for nature. 

Social and Community-Based Activities 

  • Local Clubs and Support Groups: Look for community groups or clubs tailored for children with blindness or low vision. Social interactions in these groups can build friendships and self-esteem. 
  • Peer Mentorship: Pair your child with a buddy or mentor who can help guide them in trying new hobbies. 
  • Interactive Group Games: Organize games with rotating roles (e.g., scorekeeper, referee, strategist). This supports leadership skills and active participation. 

Hobbies offer a wonderful opportunity for children who are blind or low vision to explore the world, build essential skills, and have fun. Integrating these adaptive activities and staying attuned to your child’s interests creates an environment where learning happens naturally through play and exploration.