New Technologies Enhancing Stadium Experience for Blind and Deaf Fans: Paris Olympic Games to Follow suit

In the United States, stadiums are making efforts to enhance the experience of blind and deaf fans by providing a variety of devices such as audio description, vibrating vests, and touch tablets. These innovative technologies are gaining popularity and will also be implemented at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

At the Bercy Arena in Paris, blind fans were able to follow the French Cup basketball finals with the help of audio description. This special device provided a sports commentator’s description of the action, allowing blind spectators to fully experience the game. This technology has enabled fans like Sofiane Ahmad to enjoy various sports events from the stands of stadiums, creating a sense of community and shared enjoyment.

Pierre-Marie Micheli, who is blind, enjoys experiencing rugby matches through audio description and using touch tablets that provide a tactile experience of the game. Similarly, deaf fans like Khaled Kharraz have benefited from vibrating vests that convert sounds into vibrations, allowing them to feel the energy of the game and follow along with the action.

These devices are not yet widely used but are expected to become more prevalent, especially in sports like football, tennis, and Paralympic disciplines. The Paris-2024 Olympic Games will include audio description in six sports and ten Paralympic disciplines across thirteen facilities. Touch tablets will also be available in six event facilities for football, rugby