Visual impairment and sports

normal appearance

blurry

It's bright and hard to see

I can only see the center of my field of vision

I can only see the peripheral part of my field of vision

Communication considerations and points

When providing assistance, be sure to call out to them first.

Suddenly taking someone's hand and telling them, ``This is the entrance,'' can make them feel anxious and fearful.First, ask, ``Can I help you with something?'' Check to see if assistance is required.

When talking to someone, face them directly

A visually impaired person cannot tell who is speaking to someone from behind.Please call the person by their name before speaking, or state your name or title before speaking.

Avoid using demonstrative words such as “here” and “that”

When you use instruction words such as "That door..." or "On this form...", you don't know what they are referring to. Please explain in detail, such as "The door is three steps to your right..." or "On the application form..." or, if necessary, use your own hand to explain the situation.However, before touching anyone, be sure to get the other person's consent first.

In a place where you can hear “sound”

Visually impaired people get a lot of information from audio.Talking in a place with as little noise as possible will help you communicate more smoothly.

International symbol for the blind

This is a universal mark for blind people established in 1984 by the World Federation of the Blind.
(Social Welfare Corporation Japan Blind Welfare Committee)

The "White Cane SOS Signal" was invented by the Fukuoka Prefecture Blind Association in 1977, and the symbol mark was created by Gifu City in 2015.

[“White cane SOS signal” spread awareness symbol mark]
This is the symbol mark of the ``White Cane SOS Signal'' campaign, which encourages people who are visually impaired to raise a white cane about 50cm above their heads and give an SOS signal, to call out to them and offer support.

*If a visually impaired person is likely to encounter danger on a station platform or on the street, please call out to them for support, even if they are not showing an SOS signal with a white cane.

(Gifu City Welfare Department, Welfare Office, Disability Welfare Division)

(Recommended mark by the Japan Association of the Blind, a social welfare corporation)

Sports for visually impaired people

Visually impaired people enjoy a variety of sports.Everyone has their own way of enjoying track and field events such as marathons, cycling, triathlons, etc., including those who participate alone, and those who participate with a companion.Swimming is also a popular sport.

In addition, ball games include ``sound table tennis,'' ``goal ball,'' and ``blind soccer,'' which are played using unique rules using a sound-producing ball with bells or metal particles inside.

marathon
Run by forming a loop around a 1m long rope and holding onto each other at both ends.If you have low vision, you may be able to run alongside the rider without using a rope, and be guided verbally.

Sound Table Tennis (STT)
A competition in which a ball containing metal particles that makes a sound and a racket without rubber are used to roll the ball under a net and hit the ball against each other.The table tennis table will be a flat, seamless table tennis table specifically designed for sound table tennis.

Goal ball
A competitive team sport played by three people on a team.The attacking side throws a ball with a bell in it towards the opponent's goal, and the defending side uses their whole body to defend the ball.The game is played by alternating the offense and defense, and the players compete for points.

Enjoying sports with visually impaired people

There are many sports that both visually impaired and sighted people can enjoy.By paying attention to the following points, you can enjoy your trip more safely.

Prepare the surrounding environment

It is very dangerous if something is left on the aisle.If there are obstacles such as large pillars in the path, explain them in advance.In addition, walking with your child through the facility before using the facility to provide guidance and orientation will encourage independent activities.

Converting visual information into “sounds (words)”

It is important to convey visual information through words and sounds.At this time, the method of explanation will differ depending on whether the disability is congenital (a disability born at birth) or acquired (a disability caused by an accident or illness), and whether or not the patient has experience in movement or sports.When communicating information such as forms, you need to keep this in mind when communicating information.If you can't convey your message well, it's important to touch on it and make sure you understand.

Even though it is called "catchball," it is difficult for people who have never played catchball to imagine it.Have them actually hold the ball in their hands and let them roll it to each other so they can visualize specific movements.　

Cheer quietly with your heart!

If you are watching a sport played by visually impaired people, try to keep the environment as quiet as possible.Use a ball that makes noise. Not only games like "blind soccer" and "goalball," but also other sports, play often relies on sound, so if there are loud cheers or noises, it may become impossible to play.

Key points for each facility (visually impaired people)

Shared facilities

• Reception ~Devices that allow all users, including people with disabilities, to use the service comfortably~
• Lobby/corridor/common space
• Changing room
• Assistance Dogs
• Shower
• Emergency response

Sports Facilities

• gymnasium
• Training room/gym
• Pool
• Other outdoor facilities

Before using the facility

• Points for implementing general orientation for persons with disabilities