Visual Impairment
This resource includes specific topics, advice and adaptations for individuals with a visual impairment (VI) so that all the information you may need is in one place
The main goals of Fit for Life are to improve function for daily living and to stop the onset of a variety of problems associated with inactivity. Your individual goals may be large or small and may include getting to a healthy weight, being able to jog around the park, the ability to play games with your kids, or you may want to take up something new to help you get fit and meet new people. Whatever you wish to achieve, getting to grips with the basics is a great place to start.
Georgie Bullen
ParalympicsGB Goalball athlete
London 2012 Paralympic Games – 6th place
2009 Women’s European Championships – Gold
Having an impairment can often limit peoples’ outlook, but through sport I’ve led a happier and healthier life and achieved more than I ever thought I could. I’ve discovered a strength and determination in myself I would never have expected. Whatever your limitations, sport can help you to break down the social and physical barriers that can often come with the isolation of an impairment, helping you to meet new people and feel more confident in yourself. The key is to try anything and everything until you find what sport, and what level of sport suits you. Despite being visually impaired I have tried my hand at Hockey, Netball, Skiing, Ice-skating, the list goes on. Being fit and healthy has more benefits than simply physical, as it gives you a drive and a sense of fulfilment that is hard to beat.
Safety Considerations
- Consult your doctor if you are considering starting an exercise programme for the very first time or if you experience any adverse consequences.
- If possible, consult a registered exercise professional and seek advice if you are unsure of the correct technique for any exercise or stretch.
- If you are exercising in a new environment, ask your coach, trainer, fitness instructor or training partner to verbally orient you to the training facilities and equipment. It is important that you ensure the area is safe and clear of any clutter to help prevent any potential accidents.
- Stop exercising if you experience pain, discomfort, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, chest pain and/or shortness of breath.
- If possible, exercise with a sighted training partner for guidance. Ask them, or a gym instructor to comment on your postural alignment during exercises, drills or stretches.
VI and Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet containing plenty of variety. Being active is also important for well-being.
The information in this guide will help an individual with diabetes to do just this. However, diabetics will also need to apply some individual changes to their diet and treatment, particularly insulin users.
It is vital to ensure the right balance of carbohydrate intake and insulin for each type of training. High-intensity exercise tends to raise blood sugars and low-intensity exercise tends to lower blood sugars.
The website www.runsweet.com provides some excellent information. However, specialist help is usually needed from a medical team that is familiar with exercise as well as diabetes.
Those taking part in sports where a sports drink may be used will need to ensure that the use of such products is controlled and only used in a way that is compatible with blood sugar levels and treatment.
Any individual with impaired kidney function should take care when considering advice regarding protein intakes. Advice from the clinical care team should be sought.