5 Reasons Why Recreation Is Important for Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision

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by Emily Coleman

Summertime is approaching, and for many children that means trying new sports or a new activity, hanging out at the park, going camping, and simply having adventures. It is important to include your child who is blind or has low vision. Here are five reasons why it’s so important to include these children in recreational activities.

Physical activity

Children who have blindness or low vision sometimes don’t get many opportunities to exercise. We all know that exercising is important to stay healthy.

Hands-on learning

Sometimes, children with blindness or low vision simply don’t know how to play any sports or participate in activities. Including accessible equipment allows a child to be exposed to recreation activities explicitly designed for them. By including them in a variety of recreational activities, they can learn how to play, which leads to reason number three.

Finding their preference

Only after learning about a sport or an activity can a person truly decide if they like it. By providing children who are blind or low vision with lots of recreational opportunities, they can decide for themselves what things they’d like to try again…and what they’d rather not.

Socialization

It can be difficult for some children to make friends. Recreation provides a common activity that can start friendships and maintain them through a shared interest or hobby. Try to see every recreational activity as a chance to meet a new friend and to be a new friend to somebody else.

Self-esteem

Children who are blind or low vision should be treated like their peers. They are just as capable and expecting them to participate in recreational activities will build their self-esteem. If they are told they “can” instead of “can’t,” they’ll also expect more of themselves. Through every accomplishment, their self-esteem will improve, leading to greater independence.

For all children who are blind or low vision, independence is the greatest goal. This is addressed in academics during the school year but sometimes neglected in the summer. For the reasons listed above, you should continue teaching independence throughout the warmer months by promoting recreation. Finally, not only will it benefit your child this summer but also for many future summers.