Keeping the Fun in Golf, Bowling, and Swimming

Who says you can't get a hole-in-one just because you've lost some vision? Okay, okay, to be honest, it's pretty challenging. But hey, that's still the case even without vision loss. But playing sports like golf, bowling, and swimming can be lots of fun. So here's some tips and ideas to keep you in the game, no matter your level of vision.

Now, speaking of that elusive hole-in-one, some golf courses provide services for golfers with visual impairments. So the first thing to do is call your local course to ask about any services they may have. And if you can, check out the course ahead of time to become familiar with the green, roughs, any tree lines and sand pits the course might have. This may also be found on the course webpage. Or, you can call the pro shop before going out and speak to staff who are familiar with the greens.

Another good option would be to walk through the course with a buddy. Something else that could be helpful is to ask a golfing buddy to guide you between each hole to find your ball and locate each hole. They could also describe the layout terrain and any obstacles that are nearby on each hole. Be sure to check out Hadley's series on guided walking for more details on that.

You can also ask a coach or your caddy to help you line up your stance and align to the hole as you need. For a more experienced golfer, you can place their club directly behind the ball. This way, the person knows which direction to hit it. Or have someone stand near the hole and clap. That will create a sound source to help you align to the hole.

You can also use a beep box once you're in close range to each hole. It's a portable device that creates audio tones that provide directional queues for orientation. It's a good sound source to help you line up your stance. It's great for playground games and sports. Be sure to check out the Resource section of the workshop for information on the beep box. Also, using different colored balls like orange, pink, or neon, create contrast that may show up better on the grass.

Now let's get rolling with bowling. The first thing you can do is ask the staff at the bowling alley if they have bumpers or guards. At some, they're already built in to the lane for automatic setup options, and in others, they're manually installed. Adding gutter guards or bumpers to the lane helps the ball stay in the lane. When it's your turn to bowl, ask someone to walk with you to the foul line so you don't cross it. And after your first ball, just ask a friend to describe for you which pins are still standing to give you a mental picture of where to aim on the next roll.

Now, if you or someone you know is the creative type, consider making a small model using golf tees or small markers that you can feel to show the layout of the pins after each roll. You can also add a metal or plastic ramp to the lane to help roll your ball. You'd set up the ramp at the top of the lane, place your ball at the top, and roll it down the ramp. Be sure to use some force as you roll your ball to get it down the lane completely.

And if you haven't heard of them, a ball-pusher could be a great tool for those with limited mobility, or who use a wheelchair. It's an extended pole with wide pawns at the end that guide your ball to the lane. They could be folded when not in use and for transport.

Keeping score with an audio-generated computer program can help you stay organized on the frame number, score and total pins throughout the game. Be sure to check out Hadley's Technology Series for information on VoiceOver, the screen reader for Apple devices, or the workshops on TalkBack for Android users.

Now, let's head over to the pool. One of the first things to do is learn the layout of the pool deck. Where's the furniture, equipment storage, locker room entrances, and other materials specific to the pool area? Then do the same with the layout of the pool. Where's the ladder or steps? These are all pretty important things to know for easy access and a safe exit.

If you're new to the pool or swim area, follow the wall around the pool, knowing the depth and size of the pool as you go. You can also set up a sound source for the walls of the pool. Then, if you do want swim around, set up a beep box or have someone clap in that area. Make sure it's away from any splashing, but close to your swim location and exit point.

If there is safety ropes or designated areas set up with buoys as physical markers, ask the staff if you can use them as part of your swim space to keep you facing the direction you want go in the pool, and walk off your lane. And sometimes there are hooks or ropes already built into the wall. If you bring a shoestring or a short rope, you can tie that to the hook in the wall. This will give you a physical marker with some room for movement if you want do water jogging or stretching.

When you're swimming in lap lanes, a friend or a coach can be on deck with a long stick that has a tennis ball attached to it to tap your shoulder or back when you are close to the inner wall during your swim. Count your strokes from wall to wall to keep in rhythm, and know when you're approaching each side.

As always, if you need more information or you've got your own tips to share, contact a Hadley learning expert. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience and practice, and you'll get there.