This article is based on an interview with Claudette Kraemer, “Présidente du Jury Typhlo et Tactus,” the president of the jury of Typhlo & Tactus, an organization in France that is one of a kind worldwide and works to produce tactile books for blind children.

Objects to make things tangible

Visually impaired teenagers are very focused, so it’s a good idea to keep the theoretical content in youth group sessions short. When you speak, it’s important to use objects and different materials to illustrate what you’re saying, things the teenagers can feel. That way they can get a spatial sense of what you’re talking about.

Communication, the golden key

Parents of blind children learn early on that it’s wrong to wipe their child’s nose without warning! You always have to say what’s going to happen next, so the child can get ready for it.

For whoever is speaking in the youth group, the golden rule is: announce every single step, describe everything you do. For example, when you move toward a teenager, you need to tell them: “I’m coming over to you now.” That way they’re better included and don’t feel caught off guard.

Stay one step ahead on outings

When you walk with a blind teenager, don’t walk right beside them. The reason is simple: they need someone to lead. That’s why it’s recommended to walk slightly ahead of the blind person, so they can hold on to your shoulder or elbow. Here too, keep saying what the next step is and describe what you’re heading toward.

A game for visually impaired teenagers

Torball: In this game, a low-hanging cord is stretched across the middle. Mats are laid out on each team’s side, and each player stays on their own mat. In this completely silent game, the players try to throw the sound ball into the other team’s goal.

Basic tips for playing games with blind teenagers

  • You can buy special balls for blind teenagers, or simply make your own: take a balloon, put a few kernels of corn or grains of rice inside, blow it up, and you’re done. Otherwise, anything that makes a continuous sound can help.
  • Games are even more fun when everyone plays under the same conditions. So everyone should wear a blindfold.
  • In races, blind teenagers can take part by using a cord tied to the wrist of a sighted teenager. That’s how it’s done at the Paralympics, too.
  • As a rule, ask the teenager whether they agree to take part in the game: “Do you want to do this?”
  • Grass edges make a good guide, as a boundary or to mark a lane.

English version: October 2026