In an inclusive move for athletes with visual impairments, Allegheny County has unveiled the first low-vision tennis courts in the United States, making it possible for both the sighted and the blind to engage in the sport together. Located in four county parks, these special courts cater to players who may have partial vision or rely predominantly on other senses while playing "sound ball" tennis—a form of the game using a foam ball with a rattle inside. This adaptation allows players to track the ball audibly, according to Allegheny County's official news release.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato expressed her pride in this pioneering project, saying, "We are excited to make history by bringing these first low-vision tennis courts in the United States to our spectacular Allegheny County parks.” In a statement obtained by Allegheny County's official news release, she emphasized the intention of such initiatives to truly establish recreational spaces that can be enjoyed by all members of the community.
The new courts are a result of collaborative work which includes contributions from academia. Dr. Jennifer K. Roth, a psychology professor at Carlow University, has been instrumental in the project. She has spearheaded a study on how special tennis balls can be optimized for athletes with limited vision. Her work is not just confined to the laboratory—Dr. Roth works closely with organizations dedicated to making sports more accessible. Dr. Roth told Allegheny County, “We at the United States Blind Tennis Association are so grateful for this partnership to expand the sport, especially here in the Pittsburgh area."
Indeed, the United States Blind Tennis Association (USBTA), based in Pittsburgh, has been vigorously working to not only grow the sport for visually impaired athletes but also to fully integrate them within the traditional sporting arena. The association has been keen to not only develop local opportunities but also to strategically spread awareness and facilitate training in multiple states. With these permanent courts, the USBHA has managed to tangibly enhance the inclusivity of the tennis community, underlined by their ongoing sports research.
