Sporting Equipment for the Blind

According to a Feb. 9, 2006, "New York Times" report, only 36 percent of people with disabilities participate in sports, versus 56 percent of the general population. Sports equipment manufacturers have taken notice of this and are producing specialized sporting equipment for the blind and visually impaired.

Ball Sports

• Sporting good manufacturers produce basketballs, footballs and soccer balls embedded with noise makers. These noise makers may be directional beepers or bells, depending on the sport or maker. Most use batteries and come with an on/off switch.

Swimming

• Swimming produces its own problems, as doing laps in a pool can be a challenge for the blind. Brightly colored lane markers for people with low vision help to keep swimmers from veering off their path. Floatation markers and ropes also help direct blind swimmers.

Exercise Equipment

• Fitness gyms remain some of the most inaccessible public places for people with disabilities, including the blind. Manufacturers can modify designs to include braille on raised control panels, equip treadmills and elliptical machines with brightly colored straps and handles and

Golf

• Blind golfers don't use specialized equipment: rather, they use a sighted guide to help them determine in which direction they need to swing. The rules for blind golfers are also modified so one may ground the club in a hazard during a swing.