Do not underestimate the abilities and capabilities of blind and visually impaired students. Allow them to fall (they have before), let them be hit and surprised by the contact. They need to know that they can handle it. Their body’s prioperception, proprioception, and their intuition is often be very well developed. They will appreciate much more hands on work and attention. Feeling is not only believing but often for the challenged, feeling is seeing and learning.
The visually impaired will challenge an instructor’s ability to articulate the lessons and teachings. If you are used to students watching demonstrations you will need to audibly describe what is happening. The words and phrases will have to be adjusted, for example, “see the opening created here?” ummm no they might not. “Hit the tension created here in their back to create excess tension rooting” umm where on their back? “Keep your elbows here as you can then use them both offensively and defensively.” Umm where. Working with the visually impaired and blind will force your articulation to become much more precise, descriptive, and detailed.
Good luck Justin. Let us know how it goes and what lessons you learned.
Regards
Brian King
The visually impaired will challenge an instructor’s ability to articulate the lessons and teachings. If you are used to students watching demonstrations you will need to audibly describe what is happening. The words and phrases will have to be adjusted, for example, “see the opening created here?” ummm no they might not. “Hit the tension created here in their back to create excess tension rooting” umm where on their back? “Keep your elbows here as you can then use them both offensively and defensively.” Umm where. Working with the visually impaired and blind will force your articulation to become much more precise, descriptive, and detailed.
Good luck Justin. Let us know how it goes and what lessons you learned.
Regards
Brian King