At school, our lessons are planned and adapted where necessary to ensure all our children are included within the activities and topics we cover. In PE, Years 3, 4 and 5 also have some specific sport and activities that have been fully adapted and played at competitive level by people with a range of disabilities.
This term Year 4 have enjoyed the opportunity to experience Goalball, which is a version of sit down football adapted for those who are partially sighted or blind. The children started by using the acoustic balls that have bells inside, working as a team, calling out each other’s names and listening carefully. We then introduced the blindfolds, followed by the teams and rules of goalball.
They had a great time and are very excited to play it again soon and were really challenged to become more aware of their other senses, such as touch and hearing. Each team had a referee that changed round every few minutes to assist them with their game. They also had to adapt their language – being aware that they had to direct and guide more and explain differently because of their reduced vision.
Article 23: We have the right to live a full life, regardless of ability and disability.
