In a night filled with both athletic and technological milestones, the Bama in Boutwell exhibition game between the University of Alabama and Wake Forest brought basketball back to the Boutwell Auditorium for the first time in over 45 years. The evening saw more than just sports history—it was a pivotal moment for accessibility, as new technology debuted that could forever change how visually impaired fans experience live sports.
This groundbreaking innovation, a tactile tablet developed by the French company Touch2See, was showcased for the first time in the United States, giving visually impaired fans a way to “feel” the game in real-time. For the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) students who got to try it out, the technology was more than just a game-changer; it was life-changing.
A Night of History, On and Off the Court
The Boutwell Auditorium, a venue rich in history, was buzzing with anticipation as fans poured in to watch the highly anticipated matchup between Alabama and Wake Forest. Alabama, fresh off a historic Final Four run, entered the game with their highest-ever preseason ranking of No. 2 in the AP poll. The game was special for more than just its competition; it was a nod to the past while embracing a future of inclusivity.
The game wasn’t just a return to Boutwell Auditorium; it was a milestone in making sports more accessible. For years, the visually impaired community has faced significant barriers in enjoying live sporting events. That all changed on Friday night with the introduction of the Touch2See tablets.
Revolutionary Technology Takes the Stage
The Touch2See tablets offer a tactile representation of the basketball court, complete with a moving cursor that tracks the ball. Vibrations alert users when players are passing, shooting, or dunking. The real-time data is fed directly from the game into the tablet, allowing visually impaired fans to experience the fast-paced action like never before.
Here’s how it works:
- A tactile layout of the court on the tablet lets users feel the position of the ball.
- A vibrating cursor moves across the surface, representing the ball’s movement.
- Vibrations vary in intensity depending on the action, such as passing, shooting, or dunking.
For many, like AIDB student Kayla Weathers, the experience was eye-opening. “Sports to me weren’t really an accessible experience,” said Weathers. “But now, this technology changes everything. It makes the game come alive for us in a way I never thought possible.”
The reaction from users was overwhelmingly positive. Weathers added that she was impressed by how the tactile feedback made her understand the speed at which the game unfolds. “You always hear about how fast basketball is, but feeling it is an entirely different level.”
Touch2See’s International Journey to Alabama
Touch2See has been making waves internationally since its debut in 2023, with the technology already being used at major sporting events like the Rugby World Cup and the Paris Paralympics. But how did this French innovation make its way to Alabama?
The U.S. debut was made possible through a collaboration between Touch2See and the Alabama-based nonprofit KultureCity, an organization focused on creating inclusive experiences for all. Both parties share a vision of expanding accessibility in public spaces, and sports were a natural place to start.
“Seeing people use this for the first time is an emotional experience,” said Emmanuel Joawn, Touch2See’s U.S. sales manager. “Watching visually impaired fans be able to follow a game live—it’s powerful. You can see the joy in their faces.”
Bringing the Game Closer for the Visually Impaired
Touch2See’s tablets aren’t just making waves among fans; they’ve also captured the attention of sports organizations. However, these devices are currently not available for individual purchase. Instead, teams and venues must invest in the technology to provide their fans with a more inclusive game-day experience.
The next steps for the company include expanding the technology to other major American sports, including baseball and football. With the success of the basketball trial in Alabama, the future of sports viewing for the visually impaired seems bright.
“We’re working hard to make this technology available for more sports,” said Joawn. “We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a live game, regardless of their abilities.”
The Future of Inclusive Sports Experiences
For fans like Weathers, the debut of the Touch2See tablets at the Alabama exhibition game represents a huge leap forward in making sports more inclusive. It opens the door for visually impaired individuals to participate in a shared experience that has long been beyond reach.
Joy Palmer, Chief of Operations at KultureCity, expressed her excitement for the future of inclusive technology in sports: “It’s about more than just the game; it’s about being part of something bigger, something communal. Now, with technology like this, everyone can be part of that.”
As the world of sports continues to evolve, so too does the technology that makes it accessible to a broader audience. Touch2See’s U.S. debut marks the beginning of a new era—one where barriers are broken down, and everyone, regardless of physical ability, can experience the thrill of live competition.
And while Touch2See’s technology may still be in its infancy, its impact has already been deeply felt by those lucky enough to use it. For them, the game has finally become something they can truly “see.”
