Breaking Barriers

Time: 1-2 class periods

Learning Objectives: 

• Students will think innovatively about how to make sports and recreational activities more inclusive

Materials: 

• Internet-connected devices for student research

[Note: This lesson works well in conjunction with Breaking Barriers Biographies.]

STEPS

1. In partners, discuss: Pick an activity, sport, or game that interests you. What changes could be made to make the game inclusive to all abilities? How might the equipment be different? Would the rules be different? How?

2. Research: Take some time to browse through the sites below. How are these activities adapted for people who are blind or visually impaired? Does anything surprise you? 

   • https://britishblindsport.org.uk

   • https://www.gbrblindsailing.co.uk/

   • https://www.rnib.org.uk/young-people-free-time/sport-and-leisure

3. With your partner, choose one of your activities. Don’t limit yourself to sports. These could be things like traveling to new places or going to museums. Once you’ve decided on an activity, make a list of 5 things you could do to make the activity more inclusive. 

4. Share out with the group. In this stage of the lesson, encourage discussion amongst the pairs, particularly idea-generation around what else might be done to make the activity more inclusive to all abilities.