22-28 June is Deafblind Awareness Week, and we’ve been learning about supporting deafblind people to access sport and physical activity. Read the blog below produced by our Sensory Support Team.
Intervenors and Communication Support Workers play a key role in supporting deafblind people to access to sport and physical activity. This can have a huge effect on their confidence, independence and their wellbeing.
How do we support deafblind people to participate meaningfully in a wide range of activities?
- What does the deafblind person like? Do they like being in the water? Do they like to go out for walks? Do they like being indoors?
- What support will the deafblind person need? Will they need direct or indirect support? Hand under hand support? Role modelling?
- Are there coordinators for sports with expertise to make the activities inclusive? Can they support the intervenors?
- Do the sports coordinators have opportunities to train intervenors?
- Are there any sports facilities which can be used in the community if they are not available onsite? How accessible are they?
Access and adaptations to physical activities for deafblind people
Successful participation depends on understanding the individual’s unique sensory profile, communication methods, interests, and support needs. There is no single approach that works for everyone. Adaptations should be person-centred and designed to maximise access, independence, and enjoyment.
Communication is fundamental. For people who are congenitally deafblind, information about activities may need to be provided through tactile communication, objects of reference, tactile signing, hand-under-hand guidance, or other personalised communication systems. Consistent routines and opportunities to explore equipment and environments before activities begin can help build confidence and understanding.
Environmental adaptations are also important. These may include reducing background noise and visual clutter, using tactile markers or boundaries, providing clear orientation cues, and creating predictable spaces. Equipment can be modified through the use of contrasting textures, vibration, sound-producing devices, or tactile indicators to help participants understand where they are and what is happening.
Supporters, coaches, family members, and care staff play a crucial role. Training provided to those who support is important so they can provide appropriate guidance while encouraging active participation rather than passive involvement.
Adapted sports and recreational activities can include walking, swimming, cycling, dance, fitness activities, outdoor pursuits, and team games. With creativity and flexibility, many activities can be modified to suit individual needs. The goal is to enable the person to make choices, develop skills, and experience success.
Lauren Lieberman’s article Recreation and Leisure for Children who are Deafblind reminds us that barriers often lie within environments and systems rather than within the individual. By making reasonable adaptations and adopting an inclusive approach, people who are deafblind can access meaningful opportunities for recreation, physical activity, social connection, and personal growth.
Weblinks:
Recreation and Leisure for Children Who Are Deafblind
How to engage disabled people with complex needs in sport – Sense
Sport and physical activity resources – Sense
How to deliver dance activities for disabled people with complex needs – Sense
