How to better include bowlers who are Blind and Vision Impaired

Tips and hints for centre managers and their employees.

The aim of this fact sheet is to empower bowling centre managers and their staff with some tips and hints to better equip Centres to be more welcoming and inclusive of bowlers who are blind and vision impaired.

Here are some things to think about when working with patrons who are blind or vision impaired:

It is good practice to introduce yourself when you approach a person who is blind or vision impaired. A simple ‘Hi Sarah, it’s John’ allows them to know who has approached.

Not everyone ‘looks blind’. Some people have visual conditions which are not automatically apparent and may not use a white cane or dog guide.

When hosting a Vision Impaired bowling league, where possible, turn down or turn off the music or keep background noise to a minimum. Many blind bowlers are relying on sound rather than visual cues.

Consider the needs of bowlers who are vision impaired when developing signage. Using large bold fonts on your signage can assist people who have some vision. Braille or tactile marking will help others. This is especially important for signage in areas such as the reception desk, toilets and café.

De-clutter your Centre. Make sure all chairs are pushed in under tables, and nothing is left laying around, creating a safe environment for patrons to walk.

Don’t be alarmed if a blind or vision impaired person appears to be ‘banging’ into things with their white cane. People using a cane are taught to navigate an environment using the cues around them to identify where they are.

Dog guides that are working and in harness are legally permitted in all public areas, including bowling centres (including the café).

Be clear, specific and use everyday language. For example: “There is a chair 1 meter to your right” as oppose to “the chair is over there.”

Promote the acceptance of the Companion Card and discounts for pensioner/concession card holders.

Offer free tours of your centre, which can highlight to potential bowlers how inclusive you are and what equipment you have to offer them.

Communication is the key! Don’t rely on signage to promote changes within the centre. Talk to patrons about any changes including changes in pricing, so they are well informed. Maybe your Centre could set up an email list to communicate more effectively with Bowlers who are blind and vision impaired.

Hold promotional events on days such as International Day for People with a Disability (3rd December) or World Sight Day (second Thursday in October).

Consider contrast and colour where floor surfaces change. This could include using a yellow or orange stripe on the edge of stairs to assist with navigation.

Utilise navigational tactiles on the floors. These are raised ‘bumps’ often felt with a white cane to assist people who are blind to find key areas of your Centre, For example they could run on the floor directly from the front door to the front desk and then from the desk to a lane.

Score board audio screen readers are the technology of the future for bowling centres and are currently being utilise in the UK and USA. Screen readers tell bowlers the scores, what frame they are up to and which pins remain after they bowl.

If your Centre does not have a guide rail* and you would like one, please contact TBAV and the Victorian Vision Impaired Tenpin Bowling Association (VVITBA). See phone numbers below.

Did you know?

All Victorian bowling Centres can promote upcoming events, accessible equipment (guide rails) and special prices and promotions, to blind and vision impaired bowlers by going to the Victorian Vision Impaired Tenpin Bowling Association website? www.blindtenpinbowling.org or email vvitba@optusnet.com.au.

* The Guide Rail is constructed from light weight aluminum and is used by bowlers who are blind or vision impaired to assist them in finding the beginning of the bowling lane safely.
For more information please contact these organiations:
* Victorian Vision Impaired Tenpin Bowling Association on: vvitba@optusnet.com.au
* Blind Sports Victoria: 03 9822 8876 or info@blindsports.org.au
* Blind Citizens Australia: 03 9654 1400 or bca@bca.org.au
* TBAV: 03 9532 2219 or www.tbav.com.au

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Marc

2016-01-28

Hanna Mazzeo

Hewlett-Packard