Empowering Play: Tactile Sports Fields for Children with Vision Impairment

At Vision Australia, we believe every child should have the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activities, regardless of their abilities. However, children with vision impairment often face barriers that limit their participation in sports, affecting their confidence, physical health and social inclusion.

To address this gap, a team of Vision Australia paediatric physiotherapists from Queensland have developed tactile sports fields, a groundbreaking initiative designed to make sports more accessible to children with vision impairment. Our physiotherapists recently presented at two international events – the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI) Conference, and the Australia and New Zealand Accessible Graphics Group (ANZAGG) Meeting.

Why this project matters

According to the Australian National Health Survey, the prevalence of chronic eye conditions in children aged 0 to 14 has increased from 9.2% in 2007 to 12% in 2018 - meaning nearly one in eight children today is affected by some level of vision impairment.

For these children, sports can be challenging due to limited access to adapted resources. Without a way to understand spatial layouts or field boundaries, children may struggle to engage with their peers in sports activities.

Through tactile sports fields, students can explore and understand field layouts through touch, building confidence and independence while learning key movement and positioning concepts.

The impact of vision impairment on physical activity

Research has shown that children with vision impairments face significant barriers in participating in sports and physical activities:

• Higher levels of anxiety and sedentary behavior (Denmin, 2020).
• Increased risk of obesity and heart conditions due to inactivity (O’Day, 2004).
• Lower levels of motivation to participate in physical activities due to a lack of accessibility and adapted teaching methods.

Despite these challenges, most children with vision impairment express a strong desire to participate in sports. The key barrier is not interest - it is accessibility.

What are tactile sports fields?

Tactile sports fields are 3D models of sports fields designed with sensory and tactile elements. These allow children with vision impairment to explore and understand sports environments through touch, providing a clearer understanding of field layouts, player positions and in-game actions.

Key features:

• Materials: made from plastic, acrylic and 3D printing technology.
• Textured boundaries: rubber mats, pipe liners and different textures define field zones.
• Raised and tactile markings: puff paint and 3D lines help navigate the field layout.
• Magnetic players: black and white magnets with tactile markings differentiate teams.
• Braille and high-contrast labels: support children with varying levels of vision.

How tactile sports fields are made

The fields were initially handcrafted by Vision Australia physiotherapists using baking trays, puff paint and textured materials. However, due to the time-intensive process, the project expanded to include 3D printing through Vision Australia’s Print Access team, making the production process more efficient and scalable.

Handcrafted vs. 3D printed fields

These fields have been used for various sports, including soccer, cricket, AFL, goalball and volleyball. With ongoing refinements, Print Access can now create customised tactile sports fields tailored to a child’s specific needs.

Real-life impact: stories from students

To understand the impact of these fields, consider the stories of two children:

• S, an 11-year-old who is blind, enjoys watching AFL with her family but struggles to visualise the game. She often hears her peers talk about player positions and ball movement but cannot picture the action. A tactile AFL field allowed her to explore the layout of the field and understand how plays unfold through touch.
• A, an 8-year-old soccer player with low vision, frequently moved inside the goal area without realising it. His teacher tried explaining boundaries verbally, but he found it difficult to conceptualise. Using a tactile soccer field, A was able to explore the goal area with his hands, helping him better understand spatial positioning.

These examples highlight how tactile fields bridge the gap between verbal descriptions and hands-on learning, making sports more inclusive and enjoyable.

Tactile sports fields in action

A high school student recently used a 3D printed tactile NRL field to understand game strategies and spatial awareness. With guidance from an Educational Support Services teacher, the student explored field lines, goal posts and player movements, then demonstrated plays from a State of Origin NRL match using the tactile field.

This hands-on approach made abstract sports concepts more tangible, fostering greater engagement and understanding.

Beyond the field: 3D models for equipment

In addition to fields, the team has developed 3D printed models of sports equipment, such as tennis rackets, soccer balls and goalposts. These models allow children to compare a miniature 3D replica with a full-sized version, helping them develop a comprehensive understanding of size, shape and function.

For example, a student who played soccer did not realise there was a top to the goalpost until they explored a 3D model. By physically interacting with both the model and the real-life goalpost, they gained a fuller understanding of the structure and its role in the game.

Expected outcomes

Tactile sports fields have already demonstrated several benefits, including:

• Increased confidence and participation in physical education.
• Improved understanding of spatial awareness in sports.
• Greater inclusion in classroom and recreational sports.
• Enhanced teaching tools for educators and therapists.
• Stronger engagement between students, teachers and families.

By making sports more accessible, these fields empower children with vision impairment to set and achieve personal goals, develop persistence and build resilience.

How to access tactile sports fields

Print Access can create custom-made sports fields to suit the needs of students. Options include:

• different color bases
• various-sized accessories
• custom field layouts and markings.

Cost and availability

Free for Vision Australia Library members.

For private purchase, contact a Vision Australia physiotherapist, who will work with Print Access to develop a tailored tactile sports field.

Looking ahead

As Print Access continues refining the 3D printing process, ongoing feedback is welcome. The team will explore alternative materials and designs to enhance durability and usability.