Findings of a Study on Physical Education for Students with Visual Impairments in Special Needs Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65168/Keywords:
children with visual impairments, assessment of physical fitness, physical development, training readinessAbstract
This study examined the characteristics and challenges of physical education for visually impaired children in Mongolia within the framework of special needs education, while also assessing their physical development and preparedness. Observations were carried out at the “Children of the Sun King” Special Kindergarten, the 116th Special School for Children with Disabilities, and the Vocational Education School under the Mongolian National Federation of the Blind. The research focused on the learning environment, the curriculum, and the accessibility of physical education equipment. Furthermore, in 2021, physical development and preparedness tests were administered to 30 students (18 male and 12 female) at the vocational school to evaluate their growth and motor abilities. The results indicated that a lack of safe spaces and specialized equipment significantly limited opportunities for physical activity. Male students generally outperformed female students, although most indicators were found to be below the levels of their non-disabled peers. An exception was observed in balance, where students demonstrated comparatively higher performance. Overall, the findings highlight the pressing need for the development of specialized physical education programs, assessment tools, and evaluation methodologies tailored to the needs of visually impaired children. Such initiatives would play a crucial role in promoting inclusion, reducing inequalities, and supporting the physical and social well-being of visually impaired students within the system of special needs education.
References
Алтанцэцэг, Л. (2015). Бие бялдрын хүмүүжлийн онол арга зүй. Улаанбаатар: Адмон хэвлэлийн газар.
Лхагвасүрэн, Г. (1995). Бие бялдрын хүмүүжлийн онол арга зүй. Улаанбаатар: Сүхбаатар компани.
Цэрэндорж, Г. (1997). Хүүхдийн бие бялдрыг хөгжүүлэх ажлын агуулга, арга зүйн зохион байгуулалт. Улаанбаатар: ШУТМ компанийн хэвлэх үйлдвэр.
Block, M. E. (2007). A teacher's guide to including students with disabilities in general physical education (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
Winnick, J. P. (2011). Adapted physical education and sport (5th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Lieberman, L. J., & Houston-Wilson, C. (2017). Strategies for inclusion: Physical education for everyone (2nd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Sherrill, C. (2004). Adapted physical activity, recreation, and sport: Crossdisciplinary and lifespan (6th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Goodwin, D. L., & Watkinson, E. J. (2000). Inclusive physical education from the perspective of students with physical disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 17(2), 144–160. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.17.2.144
Haegele, J. A., & Lieberman, L. J. (2019). Visually impaired students in physical education: Concepts and strategies for inclusion. New York: Routledge.
