Henshaws’ top picks: Activities for blind people!

At Henshaws, we want all our service users to thrive and participate in different activities. However, we know that’s not always easy if you are living with sight loss, as it isn’t always clear where to look for accessible information, and many activities have limited accessible opportunities.

We’ve created this informative blog to lay out some of our favourite activities for blind people to save you a little time researching… Don’t say we don’t treat you!

Board and card games: fun activities for blind people!

First up, board and card games! One of our favourite accessible games is Braille Uno, which is just like regular Uno but with braille numbers and colours on the cards. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic game with friends while also giving you a fantastic opportunity to practise your braille skills.

If you’re not a big Uno fan, many other classic games have been adapted for those with sight loss. For example, you can play large print Scrabble or braille Scrabble, use tactile dice or playing pieces, or you can add tactile markers to the board. There are also a growing number of board games designed specifically for people with visual impairments, so it’s worth doing some research to find the perfect game for you.

We could go on forever about different board games, but thought it might be easier for you to check out our dedicated blog about board games for more information.

Reading: a world of possibilities!

Next up is a timeless activity – reading! This versatile pastime can transport you to different worlds, teach you new things, and provide hours of enjoyment. It’s something that can be enjoyed by everyone, and there are plenty of options if you have sight loss.

Two fantastic options for those with sight loss are large print and braille books. These specially printed books allow people with visual impairments to read independently, and as certain online libraries have a selection of these books, you’ll be spoilt for choice in no time… Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

If braille and large print aren’t your thing, don’t stress! There are many other accessible reading options – like Audiobooks! As a popular choice with countless platforms and organizations that offer a vast library of books in audio format, you’ll truly be spoilt for choice. Many libraries also provide audiobook services, and there are also electronic books with text-to-speech capabilities that can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Electronic books also offer a large text option through the magnification features on your device and can be read in braille using a refreshable braille display!

Sports and Fitness: keeping fit and making friends!

We know that staying active is crucial for overall health and well-being, so the third of our activities for blind people is sports and fitness! Exercise can help improve physical fitness and mental health, and can even boost self-confidence.

Joining a VI sports team is one fantastic way to get active and also meet new people. Sports like blind football and goalball are specifically designed for people with visual impairments, meaning they provide an inclusive and enjoyable environment. These sports are not only fun but also help develop teamwork, coordination, and listening skills.

If team sports aren’t your vibe, there are plenty of other options. We also love Parkrun; a free, weekly 5k event that is open to everyone, including people with sight loss. Many Parkrun events have volunteers who can provide support and guidance to visually impaired participants, meaning you can run with confidence.
Remember, finding the right activity is key. Whether it’s swimming, cycling, dancing, or simply taking a brisk walk, there are countless ways to stay active. You can use fitness apps such as ReVision Fitness (designed by a blind personal trainer and Paralympic athlete), and the audio hints available if you do a workout through Apple Fitness+… Cool, right!

Live shows: lights, camera, accessible action!

We know there’s nothing quite like the buzz of a show, so our fourth and final activity is attending amazing live performances! Whether it’s a play, a concert, or a comedy show, the energy and atmosphere are unbeatable. 

Shows that provide audio description (AD) can be a game-changer for people with sight loss. AD provides a running commentary of what’s happening on stage, from the characters’ actions to the scenery, so you never need to worry about missing anything. Many theaters and cinemas now offer audio-described performances and showings, however, cinemas can sometimes be hit and miss so please bear this in mind on your next visit.

To enhance your experience even further, you can attend a pre-show touch tour, which is available before audio-described performances only. These guided tours allow you to explore the stage and props, which gives you a better understanding of the setting and characters. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the world of the show before the curtain rises (and gives you some fantastic behind-the-scenes knowledge).

Booking accessible tickets can sometimes require a bit of planning, but don’t worry – many venues have dedicated accessibility teams who can assist you with whatever you need. Don’t hesitate to contact them for information on seating, parking, and any other requirements you may have.

Because we love to be extra helpful, we also have a dedicated blog around attending accessible performances, so feel free to check that out for extra advice and peace of mind.

If a live performance isn’t your cup of tea, you could also go for a relaxing guided tour at a museum or attend a sports game that offers audio or audio-descriptive commentary. Many sporting venues offer this, so it is definitely worth doing some research and heading down to support your local team!

That’s all for now!

Hopefully, this blog has shown you that there are lots of activities you can do if you have sight loss, and we really hope this blog has inspired you to try something new that you may not have realised was accessible.

So. go live your best life and enjoy doing those activities that make you happy; who knows, maybe we’ll see you at a live show sometime!