Policy B04 - Acceptance of Visually-Impaired Participants with Hearing Impairments (HIP/VIPs)

Purpose

To provide the opportunity for persons to participate in the Ski for Light program who, in addition to being visually impaired, also have a hearing impairment and to establish criteria for acceptance of hearing impaired VIPs.

Policy

A HIP/VIP applicant must be able to be guided by voice when in motion on the trail as a condition of acceptance. This may involve the use of hearing aids or an assistive listening device such as an FM transmitter.

If accepted, it is the responsibility of the HIP/VIP participant to provide any listening device needed to hear the spoken commands and instructions of his/her guide while moving on the trail.

If the hearing requirement cannot be met, exceptions to this policy may be made on a case by case basis considering the following: guide availability, cross-country skiing experience, SFL events previously attended, capacity to provide his/her own guide, or level of independence.

The actual number of HIP/VIPs participating will be determined based upon the availability of willing and suitable guides. The VIP and Guide Application Coordinators will evaluate guide availability and the guiding needs of HIP/VIP applicants in making acceptance decisions.

October 10, 2023