LA Times Features Blind High School Runner
by Susan LaVenture on 2/26/2009 6:27:33 PM
High school senior Alyssa Rossi's story was recently featured in the LA Times. Alyssa, blind since birth, is able to fully compete on her high school track team with teamwork by her track mates. Teammates take turns being a sighted guide by tying a belt connected to the waists. This is just one example of a technique for blind athletes to participate in track. More techniques can be found in an article on AFB's web site, Tips for Runners with Visual Impairments, such as guidence for giving verbal direction, instructions for sighted guides, and running with a tether.
It's important for blind or visually impaired youth and young adults to have the option to compete in athletics and to be recreationally active rather than be discouraged. Oftentimes it takes thinking creatively of how to make accommodations for them to participate. You can also find other ideas in these audio interviews about ways parents can encourage their child's recreational skills.
Let's get some dialogue going on this topic—please share ways your child has been able to participate in recreational activities with your family and friends and competing in sports that the public typically does not foresee.
There are currently 2 comments
Re: LA Times Features Blind High School RunnerPosted by Mary Anderson on 3/18/2009 1:24:01 PM
I advocate strongly and it is not always gracious. I used to be more gracious. My daughter swims and recently completed skating lessons. She is nine years old. We tend to get more turn to community sports for more involvement.
Re: LA Times Features Blind High School RunnerPosted by region3 on 4/15/2009 12:45:16 PM
My daughter was on the swim team in high school. It was great for comradery as well as staying in shape. She also skated in ice shows for a couple of years, i.e., kindergarten and first grade. She learned how to ride a bike, although she hasn't kept it going. If someone rode in front of her, she was warned about curbs and uneven sidewalks. She also learned how to downhill ski in 2 days a few years ago. Even if she doesn't pursue skiing on a regular basis, I think it was rewarding in itself for her to realize she could do it. Exposure is crucial for confidence and providing choices for recreation.
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