Adapted PE
Category: Visual Impairment

I would like to build a running line for a student with a visual impairment to use for running independently. Are there any parameters that I should keep in mind? What materials would work the best?

1. You can find many guide running techniques on our web site www.campabilities.org. and click on "Teaching visually impaired children in PE". There is an entire slide show on how to set up guide running techniques.

2. There is a "Walk-Run for Fitness" Kit that can be purchased from the American Printing House for the Blind. Go to APH.org, click on APH PE web site, then products on the right hand side. If you scroll down to the bottom the kit is there. You can ask the vision teacher to buy this on the child's "quota" funds.

3. You want to make sure it is a smooth rope at least 100 yards if possible. It can be hooked to a wall (with eye hooks)inside, or a fence, a tree or a pole outside. It should have a key ring or a caribeaner with a short tether (short rope) that the child can hold that slides along the rope. There must be a warning on the ground or on the rope or both at both ends to warn the child that he/she isgetting to the end of the rope and should turn around.

4. The child can run for time, distance, speed or just to music for fun. The child can also wear a talking pedometer to measure distance. The guide wire can also be used in a gym for locomotor skill activities.

5. The best way is to use either knee high cones and wrap a light weight rope or line between the cones to make a line. This will allow the person to move about independently by using the touch of the line on the leg working up to a run. If there are not cones available, you can use light weight PVC as posts on the inside of the tack or area and use the line again as a guide.

6. Any smooth rope will do; they might want to try workout gloves to minimize hand friction, but still keep the fingers bare for more sensation.

Last modified date: 9/13/2010

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