The Power of Physical Movement with Chelsea Schumaker
Jan 03, 2023
As we embark on a new year, many of us are in goal-setting mode, thinking about how we can push ourselves to grow, not just professionally but personally. In this journey of self-improvement, one of the most impactful lessons we can learn is the importance of movement—specifically physical activity.
Today, we’re diving into a conversation with Chelsea Schumaker, an inspiring orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist who is not only dedicated to helping her students develop independence through movement, but who also understands, on a deeply personal level, the life-changing power of physical activity. Chelsea, who is currently pursuing her PhD in O&M, shares her incredible journey from the corporate world to becoming a passionate advocate for mobility and fitness for individuals with vision impairments.
From Corporate Sales to O&M: A Life-Altering Decision
Chelsea's path to becoming an O&M specialist is anything but conventional. She started her career in corporate sales, but after attending the 2018 USABA National Goalball Tournament as part of a service trip from her sorority, everything changed. Initially unaware of the sport, she fell in love with Goalball and the community surrounding it, including the athletes who participated. Through a conversation with a new friend, Noah, Chelsea was introduced to the world of O&M. It was this pivotal moment that led her to leave her corporate job, apply to Texas Tech’s O&M program, and never look back.
Chelsea’s story highlights how sometimes the most transformative experiences come when we least expect them. It was through the blend of volunteering and connecting with a community that she discovered her true calling—helping individuals with vision impairments navigate the world confidently and independently.
A Personal Fitness Journey: From Struggle to Strength
Chelsea’s personal fitness journey has played an instrumental role in shaping her passion for O&M. Before making the career change, she was 400 pounds and found it difficult to engage in physical activity. After undergoing weight loss surgery, Chelsea not only changed her physical health but also her mental outlook. Over the next few years, she lost nearly 200 pounds and developed a deep connection to physical activity—specifically CrossFit and spin classes.
This personal transformation fuels her work with students today. Chelsea recognizes the profound impact that physical activity has on mental health, self-efficacy, and overall quality of life. She believes that for individuals with vision impairments, having access to physical activity is essential for fostering self-determination, reducing feelings of isolation, and improving both physical and emotional well-being.
The Power of Movement for Students with Vision Impairments
As O&M specialists, one of our key responsibilities is to advocate for our students and ensure they have access to opportunities for movement, whether it's in physical education (PE), recreational activities, or simply engaging with the world around them. Unfortunately, many students with vision impairments are left on the sidelines during PE classes because their teachers may not know how to adapt activities to be inclusive or safe. This exclusion can lead to feelings of learned helplessness and a lack of confidence in their own abilities.
Chelsea shared an eye-opening story about a student who was never taken outside for physical activity because their teacher didn’t see the value in it—believing that since the student couldn’t see, there was no need to engage in outdoor play. This lack of opportunity to move is not just detrimental to the student’s physical health, but also to their social and emotional development.
As O&M specialists, we are often the voices advocating for change. We must help the wider team—teachers, PE coaches, and parents—understand the importance of integrating movement into the lives of our students. As Chelsea pointed out, physical activity does more than just improve fitness; it boosts self-efficacy, reduces anxiety, and provides students with the tools they need to advocate for themselves.
Navigating the Conversation: Getting the Team on Board
One of the challenges O&M specialists often face is getting others on the team to understand the importance of mobility and physical activity for students with vision impairments. Whether it's convincing a PE teacher to adapt an activity or showing a team member how a student can use a cane or guide to engage in a specific sport, it can be difficult to get others to see the potential.
In our conversation, Chelsea shared her approach to advocating for her students. She suggested that one of the most effective strategies is to focus on building relationships with colleagues, whether it’s the PE teacher, classroom staff, or other specialists. By taking the time to understand their needs and showing how mobility and physical activity can enhance the student’s learning experience, we can get their buy-in.
For example, Chelsea was able to convince a PE teacher that a student who was visually impaired could still run by modeling how to run with a tether. Rather than saying “no” or “that’s not possible,” Chelsea took the time to show that with the right support and adaptations, students can engage fully in physical activity.
Creating a Win-Win Environment
For O&M specialists, it’s important to approach these conversations with a mindset of collaboration. As Chelsea emphasized, it’s not about pushing your agenda or simply “telling” others what to do. It’s about finding win-win solutions and being a resource for your team members. When you present the benefits of inclusive physical activities for students in a clear and concise way, people are more likely to be open to change.
As educators, we all want what’s best for our students. We want them to feel empowered and capable. By working together, we can create an environment where students with vision impairments are included in physical activities and can move through the world with confidence.
Join Us for a Special Webinar!
If you’re looking for more tips on how to increase physical activity opportunities for your students, we invite you to join Chelsea and Kassy for a special webinar on January 11. In this session, we’ll discuss practical strategies for advocating for inclusive PE, collaborating with team members, and empowering students through movement. It’s a chance to learn, share experiences, and be a part of a supportive community of O&M specialists.
We hope you’ll come prepared to participate and share your successes and challenges in the field. Together, we can learn from each other and continue to improve the lives of our students.
To register for the webinar, visit Allied Independence Online Training.
