A free public event hosted by the University of Central Lancashire will debunk some of the most prevalent myths about visual impairment and sport.
On Thursday 9 May Dr Jess Macbeth, an expert in disability sport, will explore some of the misconceptions around visual impairments and sports, from the notion that you can’t do sports if you are blind, to the idea of developing compensatory superpowers.
She will also discuss how sport is designed and adapted for blind and partially sighted people, what barriers they face, and the empowering role sport can play in their lives.
"People often assume that sports aren’t accessible to visually impaired people but there is a world of visually impaired sport that largely takes place under the radar."
— Dr Jess Macbeth, an expert in disability sport
“People often assume that sports aren’t accessible to visually impaired people but there is a world of visually impaired sport that largely takes place under the radar,” said Jess.
“There is considerable diversity in what we mean by visual impairment too, and this has implications for how people access and experience sports, such as blind and partially sighted football and Goalball, designed specifically for visually impaired people.”
“This event is aimed at anyone interested in developing their awareness, questioning assumptions and hearing stories from visually impaired people in sport. Hopefully it will inspire both visually impaired and sighted people to consider ways they can get involved and resonate with those who already are.”
"This event is aimed at anyone interested in developing their awareness, questioning assumptions and hearing stories from visually impaired people in sport."
— Dr Jess Macbeth, an expert in disability sport
Blind people can’t play sport… can they?, will take place in the Mitchell and Kenyon Theatre on the Preston Campus from 6.00pm – 7.30pm. People can attend in person or online and are asked to register via Eventbrite.
