The Nike Community Impact Fund also believes in DanceOrientation
Project #Danceisblind and the Nike Community Impact Fund
Using sports as a tool for inclusive development
The Nike Community Impact Fund supports projects that use sports as a means to promote social change. Thanks to this funding, #Danceisblind can work towards its mission: supporting children with visual impairments in their motor development through dance. The project is implemented in three strategic components, focusing on practical application, knowledge sharing, and awareness.
Goals and Actions
1. Workshops in Flemish Brabant and Limburg #Danceisblind organizes specialized workshops aimed at the motor and expressive development of children with visual impairments. These activities are designed to facilitate participation in dance and promote social inclusion. The focus is on fun, accessibility, and learning movement patterns tailored to the needs of this target group.
2. Development of educational materials A key pillar of the project is the creation of a teaching guide focused on "dance for blind youth." This material provides practical and theoretical insights for:
o Dance clubs and sports associations.
o Organizations working with blind and visually impaired youth.
o Sports services and government agencies.
o Educational institutions such as colleges and universities. The document addresses the pedagogical needs of blind and visually impaired youth and offers concrete methods to make dance lessons more inclusive and effective (it will be available online after the workshops in the provinces and accessible to anyone interested).
3. Raising awareness among sighted students #Danceisblind also aims to sensitize sighted students, making them aware of alternative ways of dancing and moving. By utilizing haptic and auditory elements, they learn how dance can be accessible without visual support. This not only increases their awareness but also fosters an inclusive mindset and a creative approach to dance.
Relevance to Didactic Training The project closely aligns with modern principles of inclusive didactics and promotes the professional development of sports instructors, educators, and other stakeholders. By combining practical experience with scientifically supported methods, #Danceisblind provides valuable tools for:
• Educational professionals seeking to enhance the skills of diverse target groups.
• Organizations in the sports sector aiming to expand their offerings to include inclusive sports activities.
• Researchers and policymakers interested in analyzing the effects of innovative teaching methods.
#Danceisblind demonstrates that sports are not only an end in themselves but also a powerful means for personal growth, social inclusion, and sustainable knowledge sharing. The project serves as an example of how barriers can be broken, achieving broader societal impact.
Acknowledgment
#Danceisblind wishes to express its gratitude to the Nike Community Impact Fund for their support and trust. Thanks to this valuable support, it is possible to make a difference in the lives of children with visual impairments and contribute to an inclusive and conscious society.
Image Description
Photo 1: The official and well-known Nike logo
