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Sports Vision
for Blind
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People with impaired vision can feel left out of everyday activities geared toward the sighted. A woman who grew up missing out on sports is making sure other blind children and adults have better opportunities. Gwen Kisker has her story. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Pittsburgh, PA)(Bowling ball thud)
Six-year-old Julia Murray can throw a mean ball. Partial blindness and deafness don’t curb her game. These kids are part of SportsVision—an organization in Pittsburgh striking down the notion that visually impaired children can’t participate in sports. Liz Murray says simple fun has transformed her daughter.
Liz Murray, Julia’s Mother: “We can say ‘Look at what that person is able to do, you can do it too.’”
Susan Lichtenfels: “I wanted to give other kids the opportunities that I didn’t have.”
Susan Lichtenfels founded SportsVision in 2003. As a blind child, she had been excluded from sports, and even gym class. Then as a young adult, she was paralyzed in a car accident. Today, she is an active member at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, where there’s a special place for her wheelchair and Braille hymnals.
Susan Lichtenfels, Creator, SportsVision: “I feel alive when I’m helping people. I feel like it is a call, like it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. Regardless of my disabilities, I have abilities.”
SportsVision now includes adults, too. The group organizes rock climbing events, trips to the local amusement parks, audio dart competitions and snow tubing.
Teenager: “It’s really cool, if you love air on your face. But it’s really, really fun.”
But more than the fun, 18-year-old Shenan Wilson says SportVision gives her fellowship and a sense of belonging.
Shenan Wilson, Visually Impaired: “The group is basically like a big family. We get along. We feel like they know what we know.”
Theresa Paterra, Shenan’s Mother: “As a mom, it’s great. I’m always secretly very scared about what’s going to happen. But this has allowed me to be more comfortable.”
Young woman: “It’s awesome, dude!”
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Through donations, outings are offered several times a year for free or at a reduced rate. Past activities have included sailing, yoga and gardening. For more information on how to volunteer or donate, visit the SportsVision Web site or call 412-429-1996.
Posted: March 10, 2010