The University of Central Lancashire is hosting an event next month to debunk myths about visual impairment in sports.

The free event, open to the public, will be led by Dr Jess Macbeth, an expert in disability sport.

She will explore some of the misconceptions, from the idea that you cannot take part in sports if you are blind, to the suggestion of developing ‘compensatory superpowers’.

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Dr Macbeth will also discuss how sport is designed and adapted for blind and partially sighted people, what barriers they face, and the role sport can play in their lives.

She said: “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. 

“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.”

‘Blind people can’t play sport… can they?’ will take place in the Mitchell and Kenyon Theatre on campus on 9 May at 6pm.

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Those wanting to attend are asked to register via the website and can join either online or in person.

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