Start Date
18-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction
The ‘I Can’ Programme is a six-week remote health and well-being initiative developed by Vision Sports Ireland to support adults who are blind and vision impaired (BVI) in improving physical activity, diet, sleep, and stress management. BVI individuals face significant barriers to physical activity, contributing to lower participation rates and poorer health outcomes. This evaluation examines the programme’s impact on lifestyle behaviour changes and long-term habit sustainability. By assessing physical activity levels, well-being, and engagement, the study provides insights into accessible, evidence-based interventions that empower BVI individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.
Method
The ‘I Can’ Programme evaluation used a mixed-methods approach A pre- and post-programme lifestyle assessment questionnaire measured physical activity, stress, sleep, diet, and loneliness at Week 1, Week 6, and 3-month follow-up. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative feedback was collected through anonymous programme surveys and participant testimonials. Sessions were conducted remotely via phone or video calls, ensuring accessibility. This design assessed both immediate and sustained health behaviour changes, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of remote health coaching for the BVI population.
Key Findings
81% of participants improved their physical activity levels.
71% of participants reported reduced stress levels.
81% of participants improved their sleep duration.
67% of participants reported reduced feelings of loneliness.
86% improved fruit and Vegetable Intake.
Conclusion
The ‘I Can’ Programme successfully improved physical activity, stress, sleep, diet, and social well-being amongst blind and vision-impaired adults. These findings highlight the effectiveness of remote, tailored interventions in overcoming accessibility barriers. By promoting sustained health behaviour change, the programme aligns with ISAPA 2025’s theme of “Creating New Opportunities to Thrive”, supporting inclusive, adaptive physical activity and SDG 3 (Health & Well-being). Expanding such initiatives could further reduce inequalities, empower individuals, and improve long-term quality of life in communities.
Recommended Citation
Stanley, Áine, "Evaluating the Impact of the 'I Can' Health and Wellbeing Programme on Adults Who Are Blind and Vision Impaired." (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 44.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day3/44
Evaluating the Impact of the 'I Can' Health and Wellbeing Programme on Adults Who Are Blind and Vision Impaired.
Introduction
The ‘I Can’ Programme is a six-week remote health and well-being initiative developed by Vision Sports Ireland to support adults who are blind and vision impaired (BVI) in improving physical activity, diet, sleep, and stress management. BVI individuals face significant barriers to physical activity, contributing to lower participation rates and poorer health outcomes. This evaluation examines the programme’s impact on lifestyle behaviour changes and long-term habit sustainability. By assessing physical activity levels, well-being, and engagement, the study provides insights into accessible, evidence-based interventions that empower BVI individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.
Method
The ‘I Can’ Programme evaluation used a mixed-methods approach A pre- and post-programme lifestyle assessment questionnaire measured physical activity, stress, sleep, diet, and loneliness at Week 1, Week 6, and 3-month follow-up. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative feedback was collected through anonymous programme surveys and participant testimonials. Sessions were conducted remotely via phone or video calls, ensuring accessibility. This design assessed both immediate and sustained health behaviour changes, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of remote health coaching for the BVI population.
Key Findings
81% of participants improved their physical activity levels.
71% of participants reported reduced stress levels.
81% of participants improved their sleep duration.
67% of participants reported reduced feelings of loneliness.
86% improved fruit and Vegetable Intake.
Conclusion
The ‘I Can’ Programme successfully improved physical activity, stress, sleep, diet, and social well-being amongst blind and vision-impaired adults. These findings highlight the effectiveness of remote, tailored interventions in overcoming accessibility barriers. By promoting sustained health behaviour change, the programme aligns with ISAPA 2025’s theme of “Creating New Opportunities to Thrive”, supporting inclusive, adaptive physical activity and SDG 3 (Health & Well-being). Expanding such initiatives could further reduce inequalities, empower individuals, and improve long-term quality of life in communities.