[Pibe-division] Skiing for the Blind

[Dr. Denise M. Robinson]

Skiing for the Blind 
I have taught blind children downhill skiing for many years. 

The thing that served me the best, though I get great ribbing for it, is
 my tangerine snowsuit. Some call it bright pink. I suppose it does 
change colors depending on the light. 

The reason it has served me so well is my low vision students, even 
almost totally blind students could pick me out on the hill. Picture 
that bright pink or tangerine color glistening against the white of the 
snow. It was like a ball of sun pointing the direction to the students.

For beginners, I would ski behind giving directions. Right turn, left 
turn and so on down the hill. When they became more advanced, I could 
ski in front of them if they had some vision and they would follow my 
bright suit down the hill.

I have had this ski suit for over 20 years...hmm; wonder what it is made
 out of? Anyway, I hope I have it until I die. I have incredible fond 
memories wrapped up in this suit.

So for all you parents, as winter approaches, get your kids out on the 
hills. If they can walk, then they are ready. Just Google skiing for the
 blind in your area and you will be able to pull up a group that puts on
 these activities now and all year around. Some groups cater to just the
 blind, others to all different abilities. This is a great way for your 
children to make friends and work on their strength, along with 
orientation and mobility. The cost is also very negligible. 

Fun for the whole family but more than anything you will see your child blossom  like never before. 
 
       Denise 
 
Denise M. Robinson, TVI, Ph.D. 
Teacher of the Blind & Visually Impaired
TechVision-Independent Contractor
Specialist in blind programming/teaching/training
509-674-1853     deniserob at gmail.com
 
http://blindgeteducated.blogspot.com/
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