Universitários com deficiência visual e atividade física em tempos de pandemia da covid-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted humanity’s way of life in a way that has not been seen for a long time, forcing social isolation so that contagion could be controlled. The consequences have been of various kinds, with the most notable being those affecting general health and people’s well-being. In the realm of physical activity, the closure of gyms and other sports and leisure facilities limited the maintenance of an active lifestyle during and after the pandemic. In light of that reality, this study aimed to investigate the barriers to physical activity encountered during and after the COVID-19 pandemic by visually impaired university students at the Federal University of Alagoas. To this end, a qualitative study was conducted, utilizing semi-structured interviews with students of that group. The results highlighted various challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments in maintaining an active lifestyle amid the challenging circumstances imposed by the pandemic and society. Among these were the lack of accessibility in sports facilities and transportation systems, the absence of programs aimed at individuals with disabilities, and social prejudice. Given the role of physical activity in improving mental health, increasing socialization, and promoting autonomy for individuals with visual impairments, it is imperative to ensure inclusion and accessibility in all spheres of physical activities for people with disabilities, including within university settings.