SoCal Beep Baseball Association

Sports and Recreation Resources for the Blind

SoCal Beep Baseball Association

Empowering visually impaired youth, adults, and veterans throughout Southern California to participate in recreational and competitive athletic experiences, enriching their lives through sport and community.

www.socalbeepbaseball.org

Finding accessible fitness options can be challenging, but there are numerous organizations, apps, and strategies designed to help blind and visually impaired individuals lead active lives. 

1. Specialized Apps & Digital Platforms

These tools provide audio-described workouts or high levels of screen-reader compatibility: 

  • ReVision Fitness: Developed by a blind Paralympian, this app provides audio-based fitness programs ranging from beginner to expert, covering both home and gym settings.
  • Eyes-Free Fitness (BlindAlive): Offers a series of audio-only, well-described workouts including Pilates, yoga, cardio, and strengthening. Many routines are also available on their YouTube channel.
  • Accessercise: A specifically designed fitness app for the disabled community that allows users to find accessible gyms and follow tailored workout videos.
  • Apple Watch: Frequently cited as the most accessible fitness tracker due to its built-in VoiceOver screen reader. 

2. National Organizations & Programs

These organizations offer resources, community challenges, and competitive sports: 

  • United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA): Provides opportunities for everything from grassroots fitness to elite competition in sports like goalball and  blind soccer.
  • National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Sports & Rec Division: Acts as a network of experts to help break down barriers to participation in sports and health activities.
  • Blind Fitness: A nonprofit focused on outdoor recreation and adaptive fitness, offering activities like surfing, running, and yoga.
  • Fit & Strong!: An evidence-based physical activity program with a specific version designed for the visually impaired. 

3. Adaptive Sports

For those who prefer team-based or competitive environments, several sports have been specifically adapted:

  • Goalball: A Paralympic sport where players use a ball with internal bells and play on a court with tactile markings.
  • Beep Baseball: A version of baseball using a beeping ball and buzzing bases.
  • Tandem Cycling: Pair up with a sighted “pilot” to cycle on roads or trails.
  • Blind Soccer: A rapidly growing sport using a ball that makes noise when it moves. 

4. Practical Gym & Home Tips

  • Gym Orientation: Many facilities offer orientation sessions. Ask staff to help you identify machines with tactile buttons or to add high-contrast tape to on/off switches.
  • Communication: If joining a group class, inform the instructor beforehand. They can provide more descriptive verbal cues (e.g., “reach toward the ceiling” instead of “reach like this”).
  • Safety Aids: When running or walking, use a white cane or a sighted guide. Stick to familiar, textured paths for better tactile feedback.
  • Visual Assistance: Apps like Be My Eyes can connect you with a live volunteer to help read displays on inaccessible exercise equipment. 

Below is a list of organizations, programs, and contact resources for blind and visually impaired athletes.

ReVision Fitness: The Audio Fitness App

https://www.revisionfitnessapp.com

Governing Organizations

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) are the primary resources for many of these sports.

Team Sports

  • Goalball: Managed internationally by IBSA and in the U.S. by USABA.
    • IBSA Goalball: goalball@ibsasport.org
    • USABA Goalball Program: lwelborn@usaba.org
  • Beep Baseball: The National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) is the leading resource.
  • Soccer (Blind Football):
    • IBSA Blind Football: football.eurdev@ibsasport.org
    • USABA Blind Soccer: mquinn@usaba.org
  • Hockey: Managed by specialized national teams and blind hockey associations.
    • U.S. Blind Hockey Team: USBlindHockeyTeam@unitedstatesblindhockeyteam.com
    • Canadian Blind Hockey: mattmorrow@blindicehockey.com
  • Cricket: Overseen by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC).
    • Cricket Association for the Blind (India/Global): secretary@blindcricket.in
    • U.S. Blind Cricket Inquiries: abeynova4@gmail.com

Individual & Partner Sports

  • Tennis: Regulated by the International Blind Tennis Association (IBTA).
    • General Inquiries: info@internationalblindtennis.org
    • Technical/Secretary: secretary@internationalblindtennis.org
  • Fencing: Currently a developing sport for the blind.
    • ParaBlind Fencing Task Force: coachmurray@ymail.com
  • Guide-Running: Primarily coordinated through partner-matching platforms.
    • United in Stride: info@unitedinstride.com | United in Stride Portal
  • Tandem Biking: Often organized through local blind sports clubs or multi-sport platforms.
    • United in Stride (Tandem Cycling): info@unitedinstride.com
    • Envision Blind Sports: envisionblindsports@gmail.com

Paralympic Events for the Blind

The following events are part of the Paralympic program for athletes with visual impairments. For specific classification and participation info, contact the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) at info@paralympic.org. 

Summer Paralympics:

  • Athletics (Track and Field)
  • Cycling (Tandem)
  • Football 5-a-side (Blind Soccer)
  • Goalball
  • Judo
  • Rowing
  • Swimming
  • Triathlon
  • Equestrian

Winter Paralympics:

  • Alpine Skiing
  • Biathlon
  • Cross-Country Skiing