Visually impaired students experience Medieval Times through sound, touch

Students from St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City are at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst – and while they may not be able to see the show -- many people are working to make sure it feels like they're right in the middle of it.

News 12 Staff

May 1, 2019, 3:20 PM

Updated 1,985 days ago

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Students from St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City are at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst – and while they may not be able to see the show -- many people are working to make sure it feels like they're right in the middle of it.
While 80% of learning is done through the eyes, these students have had to rely on their other senses, and for this tournament, it's all about what they hear.
"You can't just say he holds a shiny metal sword,” says Anthony Tramon, with Sound Associates Inc. “They have to know how heavy it is because that dictates to them in their mind, how they're going to move with it, how they're going to fight with it.  They have to hunch their body, they have to lift it with both hands"
"I like the sword,” says Aaron Grimes, a St Joseph's School for the Blind student. “The sword was good.  It reminded me of a game, a blind knight game I play. It was called the Blind Legend.  You're a blind knight and you have to rescue your wife."
Before the tournament, they were able to touch the costumes and armor and speak with the Queen, Lords and Knights.
Once the games began, they all received headsets, where a narrator described each moment in detail.
The teachers say what's so special about this day is that they're surrounded by typical kids and they get to be typical too.
St. Joseph's School for the Blind works with students from ages 3-21 -- and then helps to transition them into the working world.