PARIS — The City of Light has turned its gaze toward exciting innovations as it prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games, and this time, inclusivity is at the heart of the festivities. Technological advancements are set to break down barriers for fans with visual impairments, ensuring they can fully engage with the breathtaking spectacle of the Olympics.
Each Olympic venue tells myriad tales, woven together by the experiences of athletes and spectators alike. The Paris 2024 organizers are acutely aware of the need for inclusivity and have already begun implementing measures to create accessible environments. Even before the torch is lit, they have rolled out technologies and designs aimed at ensuring those with disabilities can participate actively.
“For these Games, we wanted to carefully listen to the ecosystem of people with disabilities,” said Ludivine Munos, who is not only a former Paralympic swimming medalist but also chairs the accessibility initiative for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee. She emphasized the committee's commitment to crafting experiences with minimal barriers. "People with disabilities have specific needs and sometimes find it difficult to understand what is happening on the field,” Munos explained.
One innovation making waves is the Vision Pad, which is not just any gadget but rather a tactile tablet aiming to deeply immerse visually impaired users. This device features a dynamic magnetic ball on its touch surface, simulating the movement of the ball during various games such as basketball and soccer. The technology allows users to run their fingers over the tablet, helping them keep up with the action.
Zoé Thierry, a basketball enthusiast, experienced this remarkable tool during the Greece-Germany quarterfinal at Bercy Arena. “This time, we are truly immersed in the action, we can really follow the ball,” she remarked enthusiastically. She noted the balance between feeling the game’s atmosphere and engaging more deeply through the Vision Pad, making for a richer overall experience.
Currently, 45 Vision Pads are integrated across the Olympic venues, allowing fans to keep track of live ball games. Yet, Thierry hopes for broader application, adding, “It would be good if we had it for individual sports too.”
Not limited to court sports, Paris organizers have also introduced other cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing the experience for visually impaired attendees. For those traveling to the venues, new mobile applications are aiding visually impaired fans by directing them to their seats aboard trains. Meanwhile, the Low-Vision Helmet is offering fans the opportunity to zoom in on live-action events such as track finals. A resemblance to VR headsets, this helmet lets users switch between real-time viewing and broadcast feeds, a feature Munos highlighted as revolutionary.
Florian Trichaud, who battles visual impairments and describes sports as his “drug,” donned the Low-Vision Helmet during the track and field finals held at the Stade de France. He expressed awe at the experience it delivered: “With this headset, I was able to experience things visually. It’s hard to realize, but being able to see the elements and feel included makes a real difference for us.” Trichaud did note, though, areas for improvement, particularly concerning resolution and comfort.
The collaborative design of these accessibility technologies involves companies like GiveVision and Touch2See, which teamed up with the Paris 2024 committee to bring these ideas to fruition.
Another cornerstone of this accessibility initiative is audio description. According to Adrien Izard-Le Calvé, one of the designated audio descriptors for the Games, the goal is to convey all happenings within the stadium, from the rapid movements of athletes to the vibrant atmosphere around them. He works alongside Joana Wexsteen, crafting vivid narratives filled with details even those with limited sight can enjoy. “Being able to assist people with visual impairments is incredible,” Wexsteen said. “What we are experiencing is exceptional, and helping these individuals feel as included as anyone else is critical.”
The audio description covers around 15 sports during the Olympics and is accessed through the Paris 2024 Olympics app, which people with visual impairments are encouraged to connect with through earphones. Munos reiterated the organizers’ commitment to spreading awareness about these technologies, mentioning extensive outreach to ticket holders. “We sent emails and communicated with all ticket holders, including people with disabilities, to inform them about everything available during the Games,” she said.
The path to full accessibility remains under construction, with plenty of work still needed to create spectacles, whether they are buzzer-beaters or stunning acrobatics, available to everyone. Munos emphasized this drive for inclusion: “It’s about setting a precedent for accessibility at major events moving forward.”
With advancements being implemented at Paris 2024, there’s hope for lasting change. Wexsteen hopes these measures will influence future Games, stating, “One of the biggest disappointments would be if we made progress during these games only to regress afterward.”
The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics don't just aim to entertain; they strive to create memorable experiences for all, including those with visual impairments, setting a standard for what inclusivity at major sporting events should look like.
