The Expanded Core Curriculum Experienced Through Kayaking and Paddleboarding at A Summer Sports Camp for Visually Impaired Youth

Authors

  • Liz Spencer Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia
  • Lauren J. Lieberman SUNY Brockport
  • Pamela Beach Rochester Institute of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/PALAESTRA-2025-V39-I4-13389

Keywords:

Recreation, transition skills, independence, adapted sports, outdoor activity

Abstract

The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) is a list of nine components that visually impaired youth need to master to become independent adults. These components are skills that are needed for the success of students but are typically acquired in school and at home through visual observation. Since visually impaired people cannot observe the same things as their sighted peers, these ECC components need to be specifically taught to them whether it is embedded or separate from the general curriculum. A summer sports camp has shown to promote all components of the ECC. It is not currently known if the components of the ECC can be acquired while learning the sports of SUP and kayaking for visually impaired youth. The purpose of this study was to learn the ECC skills acquired through SUP and kayaking. In this study, interviews with athletes, a focus group with coaches and observations were conducted to examine ECC related components. Findings revealed all of the nine components were experienced throughout the week. Athletes and coaches found strong connections to self-determination and independence.  Findings revealed that visually impaired students can gain experience in most of the components of the ECC engaging in kayaking or SUP.

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Published

2025-12-18

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Feature Articles

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