Travel Another key barrier to participation for people with visual impairments is travel. As many visually impaired people rely heavily on public transport, it is advisable to public transport options and promote the nearest train station or bus route in any promotional or marketing material. Additionally, there may be community transport options available, local sight support services can provide information on available services. Some participants may rely on a sighted guide or support worker to assist with transport to and from your activity. To find your local sight support services please contact British Blind Sport. Contact Information In addition to the general information you would discuss with all new participants, consider also discussing the following: Transport arrangements. Whether another person or a guide dog will also be attending. Any previous experience or knowledge of football. Have they seen football before? Motivations and goals for taking up football. Any worries or concerns. It might be necessary to provide a meet and greet service, especially on a first visit to a session or event. Staff It is important that all volunteers and members of staff taking public enquiries are aware that your club and activities are accessible to visually impaired people. It is recommended that a document providing visually impaired guidance is readily available, which includes information on facility access, guide dog arrangements, public transport links, and the first steps to taking part. If possible, offer volunteers and staff Para-Football awareness training; contact Scottish FA for further information. Session venue and time Consider the impact of daylight on some eye conditions and organise sessions in good daylight where possible. Partially sighted football sessions are best played in an indoor environment. This allows for better contrast and lighting. Check that the playing surface is suitable with high colour contrast. Blind football sessions are best played outdoors. This allows for better acoustics. Guide Dogs
Travel Another key barrier to participation for people with visual impairments is travel. As many visually impaired people rely heavily on public transport, it is advisable to public transport options and promote the nearest train station or bus route in any promotional or marketing material. Additionally, there may be community transport options available, local sight support services can provide information on available services. Some participants may rely on a sighted guide or support worker to assist with transport to and from your activity. To find your local sight support services please contact British Blind Sport. Contact Information In addition to the general information you would discuss with all new participants, consider also discussing the following: Transport arrangements. Whether another person or a guide dog will also be attending. Any previous experience or knowledge of football. Have they seen football before? Motivations and goals for taking up football. Any worries or concerns. It might be necessary to provide a meet and greet service, especially on a first visit to a session or event. Staff It is important that all volunteers and members of staff taking public enquiries are aware that your club and activities are accessible to visually impaired people. It is recommended that a document providing visually impaired guidance is readily available, which includes information on facility access, guide dog arrangements, public transport links, and the first steps to taking part. If possible, offer volunteers and staff Para-Football awareness training; contact Scottish FA for further information. Session venue and time Consider the impact of daylight on some eye conditions and organise sessions in good daylight where possible. Partially sighted football sessions are best played in an indoor environment. This allows for better contrast and lighting. Check that the playing surface is suitable with high colour contrast. Blind football sessions are best played outdoors. This allows for better acoustics. Guide Dogs
coaching-footballers-with-a-vi-word.docx