Guiderunning Techniques for Individuals who are Blind

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Guide-running Techniques for Individuals who are
Blind

• SUNY Brockport Web site

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Variety of techniques

• Try each one until the student makes a decision
• Sighted guide
• Tether
• Guidewire
• Caller
• Circular with tether
• Independently
• Treadmill

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Sighted Guide

• Should be used as an option for running for child
  who is blind
• Student can hold guides
• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Hand
• Guide must be faster than student
• Guide must give constant directions to student

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Sighted Guide
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Tether

• Use a shoelace, short rope, or small towel
• Guide holds one end and student holds other end
• Guide gives constant directions to student
• Student can swing both arms when running

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Tether
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Guidewire

• Wire or rope pulled across a room or track
• Key chain or carribeaner placed around rope
• Small loop around carribeaner for runners hand
• Warning before the end of rope

• For more information on this technique and others
  see references at end of this presentation

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Guidewire
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Circular with tether

• Instructor sets up stake in ground with 20-30
  foot rope attached.
• Student takes end of rope pulls it taught and
  runs independently in a circle.
• Measure number of laps for 1/2 mile and mile.
• Student can run with or without a peer.

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Circular with tether
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Independently

• Student can run independently depending on amount
  of vision.
• A quiet track with contrasting lines is helpful.
• A quiet street or cul-de-sac can be fine
• It is not recommended for students with limited
  vision

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Treadmill

• Treadmills can give information on
• Pace
• Miles
• Time
• Incline
• Calories
• Recommended for students and adults. Can be done
  independently in or outside of the home.

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References

• Lieberman, L.J. Butcher, M., Moak, S.(2001)
  Preferred guide-running techniques for children
  who are blind. Palaestra, 17(3), 20-26, 55.
• Craft, D., Lieberman, L.J. (2000). Chapter on
  Visual Impairments and Deafness. In. J. Winnick
  (Ed.) Adapted Physical Education and Sport (3rd
  edition). Champaign, IL Human Kinetics
  Publishers.