In the podcast, Karl, a visually impaired individual, shares his experience playing basketball. He advocates for an attitude of resilience, accepting that challenges and injuries are inevitable in the sport. He shares how his father introduced him to the sport, and how basketball became a means of connecting with his community, particularly fellow Filipinos. Despite safety concerns from others, Karl was more cavalier about potential risks, viewing them as part of the sport he loved. He also mentioned the use of protective equipment like goggles, knee protectors, and arm sleeves. He discussed the challenges he faced in practice, particularly due to the lack of detailed instruction from coaches who didn't fully understand his needs as a visually impaired player. He emphasized the importance of communication and seeing players and coaches as equals in overcoming these challenges.
Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes
Boy Scouts - Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes
/
RSS Feed
Share
Link
Embed
Robby Crouch, a visually impaired individual, shares his experience with the Boy Scouts in an interview with Ezra White. Robbie joined the Boy Scouts in third grade and found it to be a rewarding experience, despite the challenges presented by his visual impairment. He discussed the wide range of activities he participated in, such as hiking, camping, and fundraising, and how these activities helped him develop survival skills. One of the most challenging experiences for Robbie was a 20-mile urban hike, which took him nine hours to complete. Despite the struggles, Robbie made it to the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting. He credits the Boy Scouts with teaching him and his troop mates vital lessons about helping individuals with disabilities. Robbie is considering returning to the Scouts as a leader to provide a unique perspective and mentorship to the younger members.
Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes
Rock Climbing
/
RSS Feed
Share
Link
Embed
Ellie Kinnear, a part of Team USA for Paraclimbing, shares her journey in rock climbing as a visually impaired individual. She was introduced to rock climbing by 'Lighthouse for the Blind' in San Francisco and 'Paracliff Hangers'. Elly talks about different types of climbing styles - bouldering, top rope climbing, lead climbing, and speed climbing, and her personal favorite is top rope. Despite having a knee injury, she has learned to work around it and continuously works on improving her confidence in her body's abilities. She also mentions the importance of trust and open communication with her sighted caller during climbs. Alongside climbing, she values being part of an inclusive community that not only helps her to push her limits but also provides her with a sense of belonging.
Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes
Paddling - Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes
/
RSS Feed
Share
Link
Embed
Jeremiah interviews Stanley, a blind paddler, on a podcast called "Connect the Dots." Stanley was introduced to paddling as a way to get out of the house and mingle with other veterans. The paddling program provides all necessary equipment, including paddles and life vests. Stanley emphasizes the importance of teamwork and listening to the sound of the paddles hitting the water to maintain synchrony with the rest of the team. He states that paddling conditions can be challenging, with wind and ocean conditions making it physically demanding. Despite these challenges, Stanley enjoys the sport, particularly the camaraderie with his team. He also mentions that paddling has helped him improve his mobility and sense of balance. Stanley encourages anyone interested in paddling to show up, be ready to be part of a team, and learn.
Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes
Introduction - Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes
/
RSS Feed
Share
Link
Embed
In this introductory episode, join us on a captivating journey as we explore the diverse and thrilling world of sports through the eyes of individuals who navigate challenges with unwavering determination and unparalleled passion. From the adrenaline-pumping heights of rock climbing to the strategic precision of basketball, the crack of the baseball bat, the intensity of wrestling, the rhythmic paddling in aquatic arenas, and the adventure of scouting, this series showcases the incredible achievements and resilience of athletes who excel beyond their visual limitations.
