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The Portland Trail Blazers have debuted new technology which will allow blind fans to ‘watch’ games on a futuristic touch pad that tracks all of the game’s action in real-time. This One Court Tactile Broadcast is a mind-bending piece of technology that is proof we truly are living in the future.
The new tactile device debuted by the Trail Blazers has gone viral after Anthony S. Ferraro, a blind pro skater, showed off the tablet in action while at a game recently. His video exploded on TikTok and has since made its way to X and other social media platforms.
Here, Ferraro shows the tactile device being used and explains how it enables him to ‘watch’ a game in real-time from the stands like every other fan in the arena:
@asfvision I had the joy of welcoming accessibility to the NBA on a new level. #TicketmasterPartner The Portland Trail Blazers teamed up with OneCourt and Ticketmaster to bring a tactile device that uses real time data to allow blind and low vision people to feel the game through their fingertips. This was a life changing experience, and I can’t wait until devices like this are adapted across the board in all sports and events. One step at a time, one court at a time @Ticketmaster @Trail Blazers
There is a status button that tells him the score at all times, how much time is left, fouls, etc. It also has attached ear buds so he is able to listen to the action as it unfolds. There are attached buttons for tutorials for anyone using the device for the first time. He jokes that it’s “so easy a blind man can do it.”
The One Court Tactile Broadcast tablet plugs in real-time data and uses haptic feedback so the user is able to track all of the action of the game in real-time. It really allows them to ‘watch’ games using their hands. Here’s another look at that technology in action:
Assuming this is successful in Portland, it will only be a matter of time before this is available in other NBA markets as well.