A search of the literature published during the 1970s revealed only six articles providing empirical evidence for the value of physical education and physical fitness among blind or visually impaired children and adults. The author reviews these articles and concludes that far more research is needed on the differences in physiological functioning between visually impaired and sighted populations to substantiate long-standing claims about the inherent usefulness of physical education and physical fitness programs for blind and visually impaired individuals. Articles on physical education and physical fitness programs for this population are listed in a bibliography.
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References
1.
AdelsonE., and FraibergS.Gross motor development in infants blind from birth.Child Development, 1974, 45, 114–126.
2.
BuellC.Physical education for blind children.Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas, 1966.
3.
Excellent text on physical education for the blind. Included are results of research, suggested activities for the visually impaired, recreation and leisure activities, sports and interscholastic competition, assessment, and historical perspectivies.
4.
GeorgeC., and PattonR.Development of an aerobic program for the visually impaired.Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1975, 46, 39–40.
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JanJ. E.Differences in biological function between the blind and the sighted.Developmental Medical Child Neurology, 1978, 20(5), 39–40.
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KleinK. K., BuddO., WelchP., HammitT., and DyoK.The effects of lateral postural balancing on gait patterns of blind subjects.American Corrective Therapy Journal, 1973, 27(1), 12–16.
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LaughlinS.A walking-jogging program for blind persons.New Outlook for the Blind, 1975, 69, 314–316.
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StamfordB.A cardiovascular endurance training for the blind.New Outlook for the Blind, 1975, 69, 308–311.
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WarrenD.H.Blindness and early development: What is known and what needs to be studied.New Outlook for the Blind, 1976, 70, 5–16.
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BoltM.The blind can play softball.Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1970, 41, 40.
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BrillerS., and MorrisonB.Teaching rock and roll dancing to totally blind teen-agers.New Outlook for the Blind, 1971, 65.
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BrothersR.Stimulating learning through physical activity.Proceedings of the Association for the Education of the Visually Handicapped, 1968, 49–60. (Activities based on Kephart's theory and perceptual motor approach are outlined.)
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BuellC.How to include blind and partially seeing children in public secondary school vigorous physical education.Physical Educator, 1972, 29, 6–8.
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(Attitudes, “How to,” class placement, and methods of instruction are discussed.)
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BuellC.Is vigorous physical activity feasible for blind children in public schools?Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation. reprint, 1969, 40, 97–98.
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BuellC.A sporting chance.Performance (President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped), February 1976. (Outstanding performances by blind athletes are discussed.)
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BuellC.What is the school's responsibility in providing physical activity for its blind students?Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1970, 41, 41–42.
21.
BuellC.What wrestling means to blind persons.Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 1977, 71, 367–368.
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BuellC., and MontagninoA.Blind children integrated into physical education classes in New Jersey.Up-Date, 1976, February.
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CitronL.Tin cans and blind kids.Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1971, 42, 64.
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CurranE. A.Teaching water safety skills to blind multihandicapped children.Education of the Visually Handicapped, 1971.
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HannemanR.Bicycles provide recreation opportunities for the blind.New Outlook for the Blind, 1968, 62, 57–59.
28.
HartmanR. E.Ball games for visually impaired children.New Outlook for the Blind, 1974, 68, 348–355.
29.
HymanD.Teaching the blind student archery skills.Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1969, 40, 85.
30.
JohansonG.Integrating visually handicapped children into a public elementary school physical education program.Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1971, 42, 61–62.
31.
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32.
Judo for the blind: A path to self-confidence.The Physician and Sports Medicine, 1978, 6, 141–143.
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35.
LynchJ.Keep your ears on the ball: Beep baseball.Mainstream, 1977, 11, 15.
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MillerO.Blind bowling.Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1971, 42, 59–61.
37.
NezolJ.Physical education for integrated blind students: Its relationship to sociometric status and recreational activity choices.Education for the Visually Handicapped, 1972, March.
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ParkerE.Movement exploration and gymnastics for visually handicapped children. In Selected Papers.Association for Education of the Visually Handicapped, 1972.
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PitzerJ., and SonkaJ.Leisure time activities for the visually impaired.Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1974, 45, 69.
41.
PitzerJ.Nordic ski touring for the visually handicapped.Education of the Visually Handicapped, 1974, 69.
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RachunA.Vision and sports.Sight Saving Review, 38, 4.
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RandM.Dance and creative movement for blind persons.New Outlook for the Blind, 1973, 67(2).
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ResnickR.Creative movement classes for visually handicapped children in a public school setting.New Outlook for the Blind, 1973, 67, 442–447.
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SpittlerM.Games for the development of pre-orientation and mobility skills.New Outlook for the Blind, 1975, 69(10), 452–456.
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StephensR.Running free: The use of a “running cable” with blind adolescents who function on a retarded level.New Outlook for the Blind, 1973, 67(10), 454–456.
47.
TaitP.Behavior of young blind children in a controlled play session.Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1972, 34, 963–969.
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TravenaT.Are physical education programs meeting the needs of students in public schools?Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, 1970, 41, 42–43.
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TurnerR., and BiblarsA.Blind people can do more than tread water.Braille Monitor, November 1971.
50.
UmsteadR. G.Enhancement of the function of the visually handicapped through physical education and physical development.Proceedings of the Association for the Education of the Visually Handicapped, 1968, 40–48.
