Adaptations have enabled many blind and visually impaired poeple to participate in competitive sports...but what is offered to non-athletes who are interested in a healthy lifestyle and exploring fitness options?
In 2008 a swim coach from the University of Notre Dame provided some options. Annie Sawicki who coaches paralympic swimmers at the master level developed a new technology that provides access to independence and self confidence for visually impaired swimmers. Swimming blind would present several problems. At the forefront would be drifting to the sides of the lane and not knowing when you reach the wall. After some failed attempts to develop an electronic device, Sawicki developed the AdaptTap Lane Gate System. It is designed to improve the orientation of the swimmer and allows them to swim straighter and faster.
It is a device that involves floating touch points that have sponge type balls which allow blind swimmers to have a better awareness of their surroundings for the entire length of the pool. These touch points are attached to lane lines which give the swimmer both lane and wall orientation. Nearing the end of the length, the touch points change in size and texture so that the swimmer is aware that they are nearing the end of the lane.
Other forms of adaptive equipment for visually impaired swimmers include aquatic wheelchairs and platform lifts.
Check out the following video where swimmer Ashley Nashleanas shares her story about how this development has helped her.
