While many summer activities like sleepaway camps and sports games have been cancelled over health and safety concerns, there are still plenty of ways to get outside and get active this summer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prioritizes outdoor activities in its recommendations to stay fit during the pandemic, as “staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.”
At the Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy Association (ADOAA), we know that living with a visual impairment or taking care of a loved one with low vision, makes finding safe, suitable options for outdoor activities even more important. Below are a few tips for getting outdoors and making the most of your summer:
Biking. Companies like Mobo Cruiser specialize in affordable, adaptive bicycles, and tricycles that are easier to navigate for individuals living with disabilities. Specifically for children, RehabMart recently conducted a product review of the five best tricycles on the market for children with special needs.
Walking/hiking. Braces and other assistive devices can go a long way if a visual impairment is impacting you or your loved one’s balance. Additionally, although still a relatively new development for national parks, braille trails are starting to pop up across the country. These trails offer accessible hiking options for the visually impaired and blind, including braille markers and guide ropes.
Swimming. Our friends at VisionAware put together a list of tips for swimmers who are blind or visually impaired. These include counting the number of strokes it takes to cover the length of your pool, placing bright colored markers or a beeping transmitter at the edge of your pool, and always swimming with a partner or group in open water.
Flashlights for nighttime activities. If you’re out for an evening walk or roasting marshmallows by the campfire, make sure you have plenty of flashlights and fresh batteries on you at all times to help brighten your line of sight. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) recommends headlamps, as well as the Wide-Angle Mobility Light.
Virtual activity options. The National Federation for the Blind (NFB) is also offering a wide variety of virtual summer programs that include daytime activities to keep your children learning and developing ahead of the new school year.
Do you have tips you want to share with the ADOA community on getting outdoors and staying active this summer? Share them with us by filling out our Contact Us form. Also, be sure to also follow us on Facebook for more tips and frequent updates!
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