Article Summary: “A Pilot Investigation of the Perceived Motor Competence of Children with Visual Impairment and Those Who Are Sighted” Tisha Gossman Stephen F. Austin State University Abstract The purpose of this article review is to ascertain what influences higher levels of physical activity of students with visual impairments as well as their sighted peers. The article discusses the impact of how a student views his motor abilities on his actual motor skills, the effect their own thinking has on physical activity, and the health ramifications when activity is limited. The study included 35 students ages 3 to 13. Of the 35 students, 20 were girls (10 sighted and 10 with a visual impairment) and 15 boys (10 sighted and 5 with a visual …show more content…
The less physical activity that a child gets the more likely they are to be sedentary which leads to obesity. Being physically active at an early age can limit health problems related to sedentary lifestyle. Haegele (2015), reinforces the risk of health problems due to students who are visually impaired being less active. Children who are visually impaired can develop other health issues if they are not physically active. Many children with visual impairment do not participate in extracurricular activities. Haegele (2015) stresses the importance of input from physical education teachers, teachers of the visually impaired, orientation and mobility instructors, along with other team members to help students access physical activities outside of school. Parents and other family members will be a key component when accessing these activities. Everyone must work together to find activities that the student will want to do and that they enjoy …show more content…
Each student will develop skills differently. Some students will come up with their own way of doing an activity. Even when students are taught a skill one way, they will adapt and use strategies that are more efficient for them. One thing to remember is that every student will learn at their own pace. Do not compare one student with another student that may have the same visual impairment. Motor skills for students who are visually impaired must be taught. Professionals who work with students who are visually impaired must be creative in how they teach skills based on the individual needs of each student. Motor skills are key to moving throughout varying environments safely and efficiently. If students do not feel like they have the skills to move without getting injured, they will become less physically active. They must be taught strategies to use in all types of situations. A key to students learning certain skills is their desire to be independent. They must have input on what they want to be able to