Research
In line with Sport Ireland’s Research Strategy 2021-2027, Vision Sports Ireland is working to play its part in generating, capturing and sharing insights to better understand, respond and develop better solutions to the challenges faced by people who are blind or vision impaired in Ireland in accessing and participating in sport and physical activity.
Vision Sports Ireland regularly engages in research projects with key stakeholders and institutions to better understand how we can be effective in instrumenting change in partnership.
Read about our current major research projects and partnerships below:
Physical Activity and Wellbeing Across the Lifecycle Research
In partnership with DCU, Vision Sports Ireland are engaging in the largest ever research study to take place in internationally investigating physical activity, health and wellbeing, and barriers to participation in sport and physical activity for children and adults who are blind or vision impaired.
The findings from this research will help inform the delivery of services for Vision Sports Ireland as we enter our new strategic cycle.
Start Well + Physical Literacy for Us
“Start Well + Physical Literacy for Us” is a collaborative research project between DCU’s School of Health & Human Performance and Vision Sports Ireland. Adopting a co-design approach, where resources will be designed with and by those who will use them, this research aims to create resources that will support the development of physical literacy amongst children who have a vision impairment.
Shared Island Sport Report
Vision Sports Ireland and RNIB Northern Ireland, along with partners Disability Sport NI and Angel Eyes NI, launch the Shared Island Sport Report. This innovative research provides the first dedicated insight into the physical activity and exercise engagement of blind and partially sighted people across Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.
The report, funded through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund from the Department of Foreign Affairs, was informed by survey data collected from respondents across the region
Access the report through the page below.
Supporting mainstream Primary school teachers to include a child with a visual impairment in PE lessons – PhD Research
Vision Sports Ireland is pleased to share an exciting research initiative led by Primary School teacher and DCU PhD researcher Niamh Boylan, focused on supporting mainstream Primary teachers to meaningfully include children with visual impairments in PE lessons. The project aims to better understand teachers’ real experiences and, through collaboration with schools, develop practical, effective resources that enhance inclusion in PE across Ireland.
We are inviting schools and teachers who are interested in contributing to this important work to take part. Full details about the project and how to get involved are available on the page linked below.
Visibility for Women in Sport
In 2021, Vision Sports began a journey to address the under representation of people who are blind or vision impaired in sport, with particular focus on low rates of participation for girls and women. In partnership with NCBI, Vision Sports started the conversation on exercise habits, participation levels, barriers and promoters for girls and women who are blind and visually impaired to gain a greater understanding of supports and opportunities required.
Read our full press release and download an accessible PDF:
Published Papers
Investigating physical activity levels in adults who are blind and vision impaired
Quantifying physical activity, physical education and active travel in children and adolescents with visual Impairments
The Relationship Between Sleep and Physical Activity for Children With Visual Impairments: A Scoping Review