How Did a Visually Impaired Palace Fan Make Commentary History?

Neale Ormston, a visually impaired Crystal Palace fan, has made history by becoming the first visually impaired commentator in the Premier League, using a GiveVision headset that enhances his match experience. Despite initial struggles with diabetic retinopathy that nearly led him to give up his season ticket, Ormston has regained his passion for football, proving how technology can make sports more inclusive for all fans.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Neale Ormston's pioneering role as a visually impaired football commentator highlights a significant step forward in accessibility within sports. Using the innovative GiveVision headset, he has been able to provide live commentary to fellow visually impaired fans, enhancing their matchday experience at Selhurst Park. This initiative not only enriches the inclusivity of Crystal Palace matches but also sets a precedent for other clubs to follow suit.

Key takeaways

Neale Ormston is the first visually impaired fan to commentate on a Premier League game using a GiveVision headset.
Crystal Palace is currently the only Premier League club offering this kind of vision enhancement technology.
Approximately 73% of sports fans with visual impairments do not attend matches due to accessibility issues.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to this groundbreaking moment for Neale Ormston and Crystal Palace has unfolded over several years:

2004: Susan Venon begins experiencing gradual sight deterioration.
2018: Crystal Palace introduces audio commentary for visually impaired fans.
2022: GiveVision headset technology is introduced at Selhurst Park.
16 October 2023: Neale Ormston provides live commentary for the first time during the match against Manchester City.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Neale Ormston's debut as a visually impaired commentator during a Premier League match marks a significant milestone for inclusivity in football. His use of the GiveVision headset has opened doors for visually impaired fans, allowing them to engage with the game in real-time.

What was already established

Crystal Palace has long provided audio commentary for visually impaired fans, but the integration of the GiveVision technology represents a leap forward in accessibility. Other clubs have yet to adopt similar systems, leading to a lack of inclusion for many fans with visual impairments.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For visually impaired fans, the introduction of the GiveVision headset can significantly change the matchday experience. It allows users to engage more fully with the game, enhancing their enjoyment and sense of belonging. This could lead to increased attendance at matches and a stronger connection with the club.

Businesses and jobs

Crystal Palace's move to implement this technology not only demonstrates corporate responsibility but may also inspire other clubs to follow suit. This could lead to job creation in the field of accessibility services and technological support within sports.

Policy and regulation

The initiative may prompt discussions about standardising accessibility measures across the Premier League and beyond. This could lead to new regulations ensuring that all football clubs provide adequate facilities for visually impaired fans.

Numbers that matter

1 in 30: Represents the number of people in the UK affected by some degree of sight loss.
73%: The percentage of sports fans with visual impairments who do not attend matches due to accessibility issues.
56 years: The length of time Susan Venon has supported Crystal Palace, highlighting her dedication despite her sight loss.

Definitions and jargon buster

Diabetic retinopathy: A diabetes complication that affects the eyes and can lead to blindness.
GiveVision headset: A device that enhances vision for visually impaired users by providing real-time audio-visual information.
Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Crystal Palace is likely to continue promoting the use of GiveVision headsets for upcoming matches, aiming to increase awareness and participation among visually impaired fans.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Other Premier League clubs may begin to explore similar initiatives, potentially leading to a wider rollout of accessibility technologies across the league.

Signals to watch

Increased attendance figures for visually impaired fans at Selhurst Park.
Responses from other clubs regarding the implementation of similar technologies.
Feedback from users of the GiveVision headset and the impact on their matchday experience.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage clubs to adopt accessible technologies for all fans.
Promote awareness of available services for visually impaired individuals.

Don’t

Assume all clubs have adequate facilities for visually impaired fans.
Overlook the importance of inclusivity in sports.

Checklist

Check if your local club offers accessible services for visually impaired individuals.
Research available technologies that enhance the match experience.
Engage with advocacy groups focused on disability rights in sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the initiative at Crystal Palace is commendable, there remain challenges regarding the widespread adoption of similar technologies across the UK. Other clubs may face barriers related to funding and awareness of the needs of visually impaired fans. There is also the risk that without proper promotion, many fans may remain unaware of the available services.

Bottom line

Neale Ormston's experience as a visually impaired commentator showcases the potential for technological advancements to enhance accessibility in sports. As more clubs consider adopting similar measures, the hope is that football becomes a more inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of their abilities.

FAQs

What is the GiveVision headset?

The GiveVision headset is a technology that provides visual enhancement for visually impaired users, allowing them to experience events like football matches more fully.

How does the GiveVision headset work?

The headset transmits images directly to the retina, allowing users to control their viewing experience with features like zoom and contrast adjustment.

Are other clubs in the UK adopting similar technologies?

Currently, Crystal Palace is the only Premier League club offering the GiveVision headset, but discussions are ongoing with other clubs about implementing similar systems.