Getting involved in after-school clubs and activities can be a great way to meet people who aren't in your everyday subject classes, try new skills, keep fit and boost your CV.
Having problems getting involved?
Remember that you have rights under the Equality Act to join in the school's programme of extra-curricular activities. Sometimes issues such as the timing of school transport, equipment or staffing can present difficulties to young people with visual impairment in accessing school clubs, but don't give up! Talk to your teachers, VI teacher and parents about ways round any problems.
RNIB can advise you or your teachers about ways to adapt leisure activities for people with visual impairment, or specialist equipment or kit that might make things more accessible. Visit our leisure and culture section for advice about specific activities.
Actionnaires
Actionnaires is a programme of sports and leisure clubs for young people aged 8-16 with a visual impairment, and their siblings can go too. Find out if there is a club near you on the Action for Blind People website.
RNIB Music Advisory Service and music events
RNIB provides support and advice to children, young people and adults learning music, playing a musical instrument or taking part in musical activities, either just for fun or as part of developing a career in music.
Our Music Advisory Service can help with any queries about teaching and learning music with a vision impairment. There is also a programme of music events for children, families, young people and adults, including a revision days for pupils doing GCSE or A level music.
Case study: Music and theatre - Holly
When I came home for sixth form after being at a school for the blind, there was so much I wanted to get involved in. I decided that the summer before I started school I'd tray and get involved with the things going on in the area so that I could meet people and make starting school a bit easier.
I got involved with a play at the theatre in town, they were looking for people to form a choir for the performances and the idea really appealed to me. I love music and drama and hoped that the people there would be like me as we shared an interest. I had so much fun doing it, everyone was really accepting - I think because I tried to get involved and did everything I could.
After that I joined the youth theatre as the performances in the summer had gone so well. When you join activities it's best to be honest about what support you're going to need. Everyone has been really supportive and made sure I can participate in all the activities, I've never felt like I'm being left out of the group. Usually if you put in the most effort you can and work your hardest people won't mind that you sometimes need extra support, they see you're trying and that's what's important.
I also take music lessons and play goalball at the weekends where I've met other visually impaired people. It's best to choose activities you know you're going to enjoy; when you share a common interest with other people it's so much easier to be included in the group.
Case study: Singing - Harriet
When I was at school, I joined the choir which I enjoyed attending. We sang many different songs, and it gave me a chance to socialise with my friends. I was a member of the choir through all my seven years at secondary school.
I then went on to join the choir at University, which I also enjoyed. I performed at a wide range of events when I was part of the University choir, including doing a recital at Worcester Cathedral, performing with a full orchestra at the Cheltenham Town Hall at Christmas, and singing at the annual graduation ceremonies.
I found that being in the choir gave me the opportunity to talk to my friends in a comfortable and safe environment. At my graduation ceremony, I also received a certificate for being the most conscientious member of the University choir, as I was very committed in my attendance. I loved being a member of both of these choirs, it was a brilliant social occasion.
Case study: A visit to the gym - Louise
I found that joining my college gym has not only enabled me to exercise in a fun and safe way, but has also boosted my confidence in starting somewhere new. I have an arrangement with the gym's fitness instructor where I telephone ahead of my visit to let him know that I will be visiting so that he can meet me at the entrance and help me set up.
Being open about my visual difficulties has made a visit to the gym stress-free. At the start of each session, we discuss what I would like to do and how much time I would like to spend on each piece of equipment. As I cannot read the buttons and screens on the machines, the fitness instructor sets me on my way and times me whilst he attends to other customers and then pops back to me when it is time for me to move on to the next piece of equipment I have chosen to use. Giving me a tactile tour of the gym equipment on my first visit was also very useful.
As I was concerned that I would get in the way of other customers, we were careful to select an appropriate time to do this which also let me explore without feeling as if I was being watched. As a courtesy to others and in the event of a fire, I always keep my cane near the piece of equipment I'm working on as this also enables me to leave the fitness studio unassisted whenever I choose. It all helps to breed a greater sense of independence and enables me to enjoy my session at the gym without those practical worries.
Your stories
We would love to hear from you if you have had a good time getting involved in some extra-curricular activities, and/or if you have encountered and solved any problems.