As a Vision Loss Awareness Trainer for Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria (BSRV), I have the privilege of meeting lots of amazing people through my work delivering vision loss awareness training programs across Victoria. My latest training session took place at Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre, where I was welcomed by a vibrant group of swimming and aquafit coaches.
Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation that relies heavily on donations and government grants to continue providing opportunities for people who are blind or vision impaired. This vision loss awareness training program was made possible through a successful grant application by BSRV and supports two ten-week terms of Aquafit classes designed specifically for people with low or no vision.
Vision Loss Awareness Training for Coaches
Before the Aquafit classes could begin, the instructors and coaches participated in a comprehensive Vision Loss Awareness Training course, which I had the pleasure of delivering. These sessions are designed to help fitness professionals, volunteers and support workers better understand the experiences of people living with vision loss and to create more inclusive and welcoming environments within sporting and recreation settings.
What it covers
The training covered a range of important topics, including common eye conditions, effective communication strategies, inclusive language, and practical ways to adapt aquatic activities for participants with vision loss. (BSRV) One of the most engaging parts of the session involved sighted guiding role-plays, where participants worked in pairs taking turns being the guide and the person experiencing vision loss.
Simulator glasses
To make the experience more authentic, participants wore simulator glasses designed to replicate a range of eye conditions. Everyone was eager to try the glasses made from yellow cardboard with elastic straps. For fifteen minutes, pairs walked through the centre together guiding and describing their surroundings and assisting their partners safely around the facility. Halfway through, they swapped roles so everyone could experience both perspectives – guiding and blindness.
The mandatory photo
This enthusiastic Aquafit group enjoyed the sighted guiding exercise so much that they decided to stop and pose for a group photo wearing the simulator glasses. Their enthusiasm, laughter, and willingness to learn created such a great atmosphere. My support worker captured the special moment, and it perfectly reflected the spirit of inclusion and teamwork that filled the day.
Communication techniques in the pool
The second half of the Vision Loss Awareness Training moved into the pool itself. Participants once again worked in pairs, this time practising communication techniques they would later use during Aquafit classes. To simulate blindness in the water, participants were offered swimming goggles blacked out with tape. Once again everyone seemed eager to try them.
The goggles assisted the instructors to realise how important precise verbal communication becomes when visual cues are limited or unavailable. But these coaches had it in the bag judging on the clear and encouraging communication taking place around the pool.
‘Take two steps forward.’
‘Do you mind if I take your hand to show you the movement?’
‘Spread arms out to ten o’clock.’
‘Good job!’
Inclusion and connection
After the training, I reflected on how much I’d enjoyed being in the water with such a caring and positive group of people. Their commitment to creating inclusive Aquafit classes was genuinely inspiring.
Vision loss awareness training is about far more than understanding eye conditions. It is about building empathy, confidence, communication, and community. Watching this Aquafit group embrace inclusion so naturally reminded me exactly why I love the work I do.
The laughter, encouragement, and genuine connection throughout the session got me thinking I can’t wait to attend my very first Aquafit class with this amazing group at Leisurelink, Waurn Ponds.
