Inclusive autumn walks

What if the movement tools offered in the media/school/your environment are not tailored to your needs and only cause extra frustration?

Every family is unique. As mother of a daughter with a very severe visual impairment, I always tried to be creative with the tools provided. What initially caused frustration eventually became a challenge. How do I translate basic materials into unique materials? How can I involve my daughter as much as possible in school, family activities, and movement?

Thanks to S.M.I.L.E.I can share my knowledge because I believe that inclusive movement opportunities lead to an inclusive society where everyone can be unique.

How can we guide children with (visual) challenges during an autumn walk so that they and you can share movement happiness:

• Let brother/sister/dad/mom/grandma/grandpa/… search for the drawings on the map in real life. Give the found materials (leaves, walnuts, acorns, chestnuts, …) to the child with specific challenges and let the child explore the materials with all their senses. This way, the child’s vocabulary is expanded, and they get a cognitive visual representation of the words.
  
  
• Convert visual drawings into tactile drawings (e.g., with relief paste, with fabrics, …). During the walk, the child is stimulated to feel, and improves the tactile technique.
  
  
• Provide braille on the visual map. This way, word images are unconsciously practiced, which is positive for spelling.
  
  
• Depending on the visual challenge, you can choose to print the map enlarged or look for black and white drawings.
  
  
• Link drawings to sounds. Make children consciously listen to the sounds in their environment. This will ensure that children are less startled over time and therefore less afraid to go out.
  
  
• Use the found materials into a fun craft project.

If you need any further assistance or if you have questions feel free to contact S.M.I.L.E.