British Blind Sport announces First Steps initiative for visually impaired children
British Blind Sport (BBS) has announced a new pilot study to encourage visually impaired children to lead an active lifestyle and improve their health and fitness.
The 6 month pilot study, titled 'First Steps' is running from January to July 2015 and is being funded by the National Lottery - Big Lottery Fund and BBC Children in Need.
Currently two in every three children do not meet the Government’s guidelines of 60 minutes activity each day and over one third are overweight or obese. The risk of inactivity and obesity is even higher for visually impaired children, who face additional barriers to participation such as a lack of inclusive PE teaching in mainstream schools, bullying and family income constraints.
The study aims to address the barriers visually impaired children face and improve their health and fitness, through the provision of free First Steps activity pack for children aged between 7-12 years old. The free pack will include an audible ball, a pump, a range of fitness activity cards and information on local accessible sports clubs. The activity cards have been designed to be used individually or with friends and family.
Over 50 visually impaired children aged between 7-12 years old and their families are taking part the study, and BBS is working closely with them to measure the impact and success of the First Steps activity pack over the six month period.
BBS are hopeful that the results and outcomes of the study, along with further successful funding bids will lead to First Steps being developed into a national scheme.
Get involved
There are still opportunities to take part in British Blind Sport's First Steps pilot study. So if you have a visually impaired child aged 7-12 and you live in the Midlands, click here to find out more and complete an application form.
