The study compared the motor activities and environmental interactions of 36 sighted, partially sighted, and blind children (7 to 13 years old) during unstructured play. Objectives were to assess motor proficiency level; to establish frequency and kind of gross motor, manipulative self stimulation, and social/play behaviors; and to assess use of the environment. Ss were observed in their natural play environments. A time sampling technique was used to observe each S group over a 6 week period for a total of 30 ten second observations per child. Selected non sight dependent items from the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency were administered to each S. Results indicated significant differences among Ss in motor proficiency level, gross motor, self stimulation, and social/play behaviors. Correlations demonstrated that the higher the motor proficiency level the greater the frequency, diversity, and complexity of gross motor behavior. There were no significant differences in manipulative behaviors. Under the environment category, there were significant differences in the way the children used the available space and equipment by sight, age, and sex. Data showed consistent patterns for all groups in exhibiting the most complex behaviors on the most complex equipment. Overall analyses suggested that the developmental delays seen in the visually impaired children may not result from their handicapping condition alone. Evidence suggested some delay attributed to lack of experience, particularly in gross motor interactions with the environment. Findings pointed to an environmental intervention strategy which would involve the accessibility of complex and appropriately designed environments and the training of personnel in use of the environment as an active tool in achieving educational goals for each child. (Author/SB)