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Discovering interesting recreation and leisure activities is research backed as being essential to holistic development and high personal quality of life. It is also a fantastic way to meet new people and get active. People who are blind or visually impaired enjoy all sorts of activities, ranging from recreational fun to elite sports. They ski, sail, run, hike, bike, swim, play hockey and goalball, do yoga, judo, and sometimes compete at the Paralympics. Being involved helps to build social skills, self-esteem, positive self-image, and a sense of belonging in the community.
Led by Jennifer Fancy and Peter Parsons, this series will feature a range of inspiring guest speakers, all of whom have lived experience with visual impairment. Jennifer Fancy is an APSEA Mentor for students who are blind or visually impaired, recreation enthusiast and world traveler. She loves being active outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, biking, stand up paddle boarding and much more. Jennifer has travelled the world and looks for adventures wherever she goes - she has climbed volcanoes in Costa Rica, zip lined in China, and hiked through the jungles of Thailand. Peter Parsons is an APSEA Orientation & Mobility Specialist, two-time national goalball champion, national team goalball athlete, and goalball coach who has traveled across Canada and to Finland, Portugal, and Peru to compete at the international level.
Together with the guest speakers, Jennifer and Peter will share their stories, answer questions, and provide valuable advice to parents and caregivers who are interested in learning how to get their children – or the whole family - involved. Whether your family is new to sport, or more experienced and looking to expand your repertoire, these sessions are for you. This program would also be suitable for any educators who are interested in learning more about ways to encourage accessibility in sport.
Target Audience: Parents, caregivers, adult family members, school teams, APSEA employees
Facilitators: Jennifer Fancy & Peter Parsons
Session 1
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Be Inspired by Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes
This presentation will feature blind and visually impaired athletes from Atlantic Canada who are speakers at the Be Inspired to Get Active virtual learning series program offered to APSEA students. Listen to the athletes tell their stories of how they got involved with sports, how they have adapted to certain sports and how they have benefited socially from sports. After each athlete speaks, you will get a chance to ask questions. Come join us for this session and be inspired by elite and recreational blind and visually impaired athletes.
Session 2
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Get Inspired to be Active as a Family
This presentation is for families, children and youth who are blind and visually impaired who are looking to get active. In this presentation several recreational activities will be discussed to get the whole family moving. Activities such as wall climbing, hiking, boating, stand up paddle boarding, and biking with be discussed. Presenters will offer suggestions on ways to makes these activities accessible for all family members. Come join us and be inspired to get moving as a family.