Backyard Games

Whether it's bocce ball, horse shoes, or bean bag toss, playing backyard games is a fun way to enjoy the sunny days, socialize, and get into a bit of friendly competition. And the good news is there are lots of ways to adapt outdoor games and equipment so that vision loss doesn't get in the way of the fun.

Now, speaking of sunny days, the first thing to do is to wear sunglasses and a wide brim hat to help block glare and protect your eyes. And when it comes to the games themselves, a key tip is to think of ways to make things larger and brightly colored so that you can see them better.

For instance, if you're playing bocce ball or lawn bowling, try using a baseball or softball as the target, instead of the standard small white ball that comes with the game. A baseball or softball is easier to see, especially in high grass.

Let's say your game is lawn darts. Try using a brightly colored hula hoop as a target. It's larger, so it'll be easier to see from far away, and using a larger brightly colored birdie when playing badminton makes the target easier to see and slows down the play, giving you more time to react to it. Choosing rackets and paddles that have a larger head or are lighter in weight, provide a bigger surface to hit and give you more control of your swing. Check out the resource section for more information about these options.

For a beanbag toss, try painting the area around the hole of a target a contrast in color from the rest of the target, or outline the hole with contrasting color tape. Either way, the object is to make it stand out and easier to see.

Same goes for horseshoes. You'll be able to spot the stake more easily if you wrap it with brightly colored tape. In general, creating contrast between the playing surface and equipment is a good rule of thumb. No matter what game you want to play, high contrast can make things easier.

To give you a few examples, a bright yellow ball is easier to see on the lawn than a green one. A brightly colored bean bag may be easier to find than a darker colored one if it misses the target and lands in the grass. The motion of an orange ball may be easier to follow when playing pickleball. And choosing a color of ball that contrasts with your opponent's paddle helps you to see it as they make their shot. So if you need to, spray paint balls or other playing equipment a bright color.

Now lighted equipment also works well when playing on overcast days or in shady areas. As an added bonus, it also lets you play at night. Glow in the dark and lighted sets for lawn darts, bocce and other games are available online.

Using sound cues can also be really helpful. For instance, there are balls that make sound, some have bells, beep, or rattle. They come in different sizes and include basketballs, soccer balls, baseballs, and tennis balls. Check out the resource section to find out where to get them.

Of course, you can ask another play to clap their hands next to the target. In bocce or a similar type of game, have them to clap close to the ground where the balls are in play. They just move out of the way once you release your ball. Or try using a portable radio or wireless doorbell. Place the receiver on or next to the target, then hold a transmitter button and press it so the receiver sounds to let you know where to aim. You'll find these online or from a home improvement store.

Another option is using a specialized, portable sound source or beep box next to the target. These are made specifically for those with vision loss. Some give a constant sound. Others have a remote control that can be pressed so the receiver will sound only when you need to hear it. Stores that specialize in selling products for those with vision loss will carry them. See the resource section for more information.

Of course, sound cues also let you know how you're performing. The clang of the horseshoe against the stake says you have a ringer. Or knocks swish or thud, can tell you that you hit your goal. You can even tell if you're a ball or a playing pieces bounced based on the sound. To help you see things in the distance, like your target, try using low vision devices like a monocular or a pair of binoculars before and after your turn. Just be sure not to look through them while you're moving. That can make you dizzy or nauseous and wreak havoc on your playing. And to get a feel for the distance you need to throw, walk the distance to the target before taking your turn.

If you need to measure distances between objects and the target to know which one is the closest, check on our workshop on tips for measuring for some helpful ideas. And you can mark the starting or foul line with a piece of rope you can see and feel, or use swimming pool noodles. They're big and brightly colored. You can also have another player or spectator be your spotter. They can tell you if you're lined up correctly, describe the action during the game, and let you know how you did once you've taken your turn.

As always, contact the learning expert if you have questions, would like more tips on playing these and other outdoor games, or if you have your own tips to share. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience and practice, and you'll get there.