Activities for Visually Impaired Adults

If you think being visually impaired limits your ability to have fun and be active, think again--many blind and visually impaired adults are able to play sports and engage in the same activities enjoyed by those with full eyesight. Though certain activities are modified to varying degrees to be more accessible, they still offer the same level of fulfillment.

Sports

• Many popular leisure sports can be played and enjoyed by visually impaired adults. Some of these sports, such as bowling, can be played with only slight modifications--in the case of bowling, the inclusion of rails over the gutters. Others, such as golf, are heavily modified to make them more enjoyable for the visually impaired. These sports and others are so commonly played by such adults they have their own organizations--the American Blind Bowling Association and the United States Blind Golf Association.

The Arts

• Visually impaired adults might find an interest in pursuing the arts. For example, those who feel comfortable on stage might be attracted to an organization such as Theater Breaking Through Barriers, formerly known as Theater By The Blind. TBTB is dedicated to providing acting opportunities for the visually impaired and those with disabilities. Visually impaired adults might also find it rewarding to pursue music in such a way as learning an instrument. Some companies and organizations provide music lessons that use spoken instruction.

Travel

• Though sightseeing might be a hallmark of traveling, even travelers who have difficulty seeing can enjoy themselves. Whether you are blind or visually impaired, travel--either alone or in groups--can be both exciting and relaxing. You might not take many photographs, but sightseeing is only one aspect of travel--you also are exposed to new sounds, smells, temperatures, foods and atmosphere. By exploring a new area and taking in all there is to hear, taste and feel, you can discover entirely new worlds--even if you never see them.