Although the number of blind and visually impaired individuals is quickly increasing in the population, little is known about their perceived barriers that prevent them from participating in physical activity (PA) on a regular basis. Using the item response theory, the purpose of this study was to develop a subscale of PA barrier for the blind and visually impaired individuals extending from an existing barrier questionnaire (Zhu et al., 2001) and to determine major perceived barriers of this subpopulation. Using four content experts and three focus groups of 18 blind or visually impaired individuals with different ages (i.e., 13-17, 18-54, and 55-85 years old, respectively), a 53-item subscale of PA barrier targeting to this subpopulation was developed. Through an online-survey, the scale was administered to a total of 145 blind and visually impaired individuals (49 males & 97 females and 129 Caucasian, 5 African-American, & 13 other ethnics; M±SD: 167.74±17.22 cm in height; 79.51±22.05 kg in weight). Among them, 92 participants had visual impairment since born and 77 participants were legally blind. For the scale calibration, Rasch rating scaling model was employed and the model-data fit was evaluated by Infit and Outfit (1.3 and 0.7, respectively; Linacre, 1994; Wright & Masters, 1982). The data analyses were completed using FACETS software (Linacre, 1996). All 53 items were found fit the model. The most difficult barrier of PA for the blind and visually impaired was “concern about doing extra laundry (2.65 logits).” “Fear of getting hurt in transportation” and “Too many stairs in the exercise facility (2.08)” were next two most difficult barriers. On the other hand, “Lack of self-discipline (-1.40),” “Lack of transportation to get to place to exercise (-1.33),” and “Lack of motivation (-1.33)” were the least barrier for this group. Overall, females perceived more barrier (1.84±.85) than males (1.70±.74) and African-American experienced (2.14±.62) more than Caucasian (1.79±.83) and others (1.66±.73-1.98±.71). In conclusion, a perceived PA barrier subscale was successfully developed for the blind and visually impaired individuals and was able to identify major PA barriers of this subpopulation experienced. The study also illustrated a good example on how to develop a subscale targeting to a disability subpopulation using the modern concept of item banking. Keyword(s): adapted physical activity, research