In an era where technology is reshaping our experiences, the intersection of sports and accessibility is gaining attention, particularly for fans with visual impairments. A notable example occurred during an NBA game on March 2, where Jordan Moon, a blind fan, tested a revolutionary device designed to enhance the sporting experience for those who cannot see. This innovative tool, a tactile tablet developed by Seattle-based startup OneCourt, allows users to feel the game’s action through vibrations, creating an immersive experience that was previously unimaginable.
At the Phoenix Suns versus Minnesota Timberwolves game, Moon and others from Saavi Services for the Blind engaged with the tablet, which vibrated in response to events on the court. When a player made a half-court shot, the tablet buzzed, allowing Moon to celebrate alongside the crowd, despite not being able to see the moment unfold. “That was really cool, actually,” Moon remarked, reflecting on how the technology contributed to the overall fan experience. “It was just a part of the fan experience.”
OneCourt’s mission is clear: to reshape how blind and low-vision individuals engage with live sports. The company is part of a broader movement among tech startups that aim to make sports venues more inclusive. The tactile tablets, which are distributed at no cost during games, provide real-time updates about the game, including the location of the ball, scoring attempts, and fouls. By modeling the layout of the court, the devices act like miniature fields, allowing users to follow the game with their fingertips.
The technological landscape for accessible sports is evolving rapidly. OneCourt, founded in 2021, has established a significant presence in the U.S. sports market, partnering with teams across various leagues. After debuting its tablets at the MLB All-Star Game in 2024, the Portland Trail Blazers became the first NBA team to use OneCourt devices at all home games, followed by the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. Jerred Mace, OneCourt’s founder and CEO, emphasizes the company’s vision of becoming a “tactile broadcaster,” aiming to bring these devices into users’ homes by 2026. “No matter where you are, you want to be able to access the game,” Mace stated, highlighting the importance of accessibility in sports.
As these devices gain traction, user feedback plays a pivotal role in their evolution. Kunal Mehta, OneCourt’s user experience designer, acknowledges the challenges of creating a user-friendly product for blind individuals. By engaging with users and understanding their unique experiences, the company seeks to minimize the effort required to operate the tablets. “Speaking with users in an environment where they are comfortable to share what they feel like… that’s definitely been an important piece,” Mehta noted.
Despite the promise of these technologies, there are valid concerns regarding their long-term sustainability. Critics highlight the risk of falling into the “disability dongle” trap — a term coined by disability advocate Liz Jackson to describe technologies that are well-intentioned but fail to deliver lasting value. Rua Mae Williams, an expert in user experience design, warns that many startups overlook the long-term viability of their products, potentially leaving disabled users reliant on technology that may not be maintained. “When you’re talking about disabled people being the users of your product… that’s a major red flag,” Williams pointed out.
Moreover, while the devices enhance the game experience, challenges persist. Moon identifies a significant need for training among venue staff to better assist blind and low-vision visitors. The obstacles extend beyond the game itself; issues with accessibility in ticketing apps can create barriers before fans even arrive at the venue. A representative from Ticketmaster acknowledged the importance of accessibility, stating, “This is a big area of focus for the team, we are constantly reviewing our processes.”
The devices, while revolutionary, are not without flaws. Technical difficulties have been reported, with some users experiencing connectivity issues during crucial moments of the game. Nonetheless, teams collaborating with OneCourt remain committed to improving accessibility, emphasizing the importance of making live sports experiences inclusive for all fans. “Our fans are really at the center of our universe,” said Matthew Gardner, senior director of customer insights for the Trail Blazers.
In conclusion, the advent of tactile tablets represents a significant leap forward in making sports more accessible for blind and low-vision individuals. While challenges remain, the ongoing dialogue between technology developers, sports teams, and users is crucial for creating a more inclusive sporting environment. As the technology evolves and expands, it holds the potential to redefine what it means to be a sports fan, ensuring that everyone, regardless of visual ability, can fully engage in the thrill of the game.
