While working on a master’s degree project at Seattle’s Northwest Center, Dave Tucker realized the need for better physical education for blind students. He consolidated Seattle Public Schools’ PE programs for the blind and partially sighted and started classes in February 1968. Among his developments was the use of a large ball that students could push, climb on, and fall from; this developed physical stamina, mental abilities, confidence, competition, and a sense of fun.

In this image, Debbie Brewer dribbles the four-foot gym ball while Dave Plassman (center) and Karen Frederickson (right) wait for the bounce. Walking in parallel, coach Dave Tucker gives directions. High school classes were held in the Queen Anne Fieldhouse.

Caption information source: “PE for Sightless Kids”, by Blaine Johnson, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 6, 1969, page 25.