TNABA’S COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION
In keeping with our mission to educate and inform our community, TNABA representatives are always available to speak or consult with groups, physical educators, teachers, parents, and community agencies on ways to improve the activity level of blind individuals in their area. Knowledge is the key. Once you hold the key you can open the door of an exciting and fulfilling future.
Did you know there are an estimated 52,000 school-aged children who are blind and visually impaired in the United States, of whom nearly 70% do not participate in even a limited physical education curriculum. The barriers that these youth face are primarily the consequences of moving their education from residential schools, where physical educators with blindness knowledge delivered specialized services in relatively small classes, to public schools in which educators have less knowledge, time and resources with which to apply to students who are visually impaired. Barriers include:
· prejudicial attitudes that persons who are blind and visually impaired cannot participate in sport;
· educators’ lack of knowledge, tools and equipment necessary to provide adaptive physical education;
· child’s lack of skill development which, in turn, affects confidence and willingness to participate in unfamiliar athletic activity;
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Just as with sighted children, blind and visually impaired youth deserve the same opportunities to learn leadership, teamwork, gain self-esteem and confidence through sport.
Recent research compiled by the U.S. Department of Education shows that recreation and sports activities provide persons with disabilities the opportunity to increase mobility, independence and socialization. Studies also indicate that athletic activity is influential in preventing a decline in physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning. All of these issues have been demonstrated to be frequent consequences felt by disabled individuals leading sedentary lifestyles. In addition, research has demonstrated that youth involvement in athletics results in higher Grade Point Averages, better time management skills and improved performance on standardized tests.
The benefits of sports and recreation have also been shown to continue from adolescence to adulthood. A recent survey of the USABA members revealed not only did they benefit academically from their involvement in sports during elementary through high school, but 57% of USABA members continued on to higher education pursuing college degrees. This percentage more than doubles the national average of 23% for their visually impaired peers. USABA members also beat the national unemployment average, reporting only 35% compared to the national average of 70%.
On a daily basis, TNABA and USABA staff handle numerous inquiries from parents, physical educators, coaches and other professionals about how to integrate a blind or visually impaired child into community-based sports programs, normally geared toward sighted participants. Although sports adaptations are found on USABA’s website and through many other resources, most individuals are unknowledgeable and do not utilize these resources.
Less than 17% of blind and visually impaired adults participate in any physical fitness or recreational activities after high school. This leads to a decline in socialization, confidence and self-worth. Most blind adults do not even know that there are activities available for them to participate in. It is sometimes thought that blind or visually impaired people are not capable of being competitive or even active. The blind community is always fighting to show the rest of the world that they are just as capable, whether it is in business, daily living, or sports and recreation.
The TNABA is extremely dedicated to promoting the abilities of all blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages. We will continue to educate and advocate for all blind and visually impaired persons through publications, demonstrations, and self testimonies of our members through there exceptional performances. We would love the opportunity to come ans speak to your group and to work with you on creating more opportunities for blind Tennesseans. To schedule a time when a TNABA representative can meet with you, please click the link below. Together we can change the lives of the visually impaired across the great state and in doing so create a brighter future for our community.
CLICK HERE to contact us to schedule a consultation or speaking engagement.