Outdoor Games for the Blind

Baseball

• Blind and sighted people can play baseball together with some simple modifications. There are baseballs available that make a regular sound every second that allows the sight-impaired to track its movement. Likewise, bases have also been made that emit a regular, distinctive sound that allows blind athletes to locate it when running from one base to another. Since there aren't obstructions on a baseball field aside from the bases and other players, baseball allows the sight-impaired to get exercise outdoors without the risk of crashing into barriers or objects on the field.

Skeet Shooting

• Skeet shooting is another outdoor activity enjoyed by the blind. They hear the clay pigeon as it is tossed into the air and are then able to target and fire at it. Points are given to each hit to determine a game winner at the end of a set number of rounds. Firearm safety is of paramount concern. Blind shooters should exercise the same safety guidelines as the sighted shooters by handing their weapon responsibly and not pointing it anywhere until they are in position to fire at the target.

Kickball

• Kickball operates in similar fashion to baseball in that the bases and the ball are fitted with noise devices that enable the blind participants to hear them. Since the ball is bigger and not as heavy, it may be easier for younger kids to play since the ball doesn't travel at as high a rate of speed as a baseball. Also, the ball is pitched to a kicker by rolling it on the ground, which makes it easier to locate by sound than a baseball. Blind players may also kick a stationary ball and run with a sighted guide if special equipment is not available.