“I have been without vision for a very long time, you become adaptive, to flourish, using other senses, hearing, smell, connecting with your hands.”

Beau Broton in his Atlanta Hawks gear at a game.

Credit: Beau Broton

51-year-old Chamblee resident Beau Broton has been sightless 20 years.

“I was born prematurely in the mid-1970’s with limited vision, and unfortunately my eyes failed as I grew older,” said the longtime Internal Revenue Agent for the blind. 

While growing up in Minneapolis, Broton was never slowed by physical challenges, always adapting to his environment and circumstances. He attended school in Arkansas and then took a job in South Florida.

“I have been a passionate sports fan, and discovered the fun of attending Dolphins games, then later the NBA Heat."

When IRS work beckoned in Atlanta metro a decade ago, Broton began attending Falcons games in the Georgia Dome and Hawks games at State Farm Arena.

“Living by myself, I take Uber to the Marta Station in Chamblee and ride to the stadiums. There aren’t any streets to cross downtown and the MARTA employees are very helpful,” said Broton. “Falcons and Hawks staff help me in a wheelchair for the restroom, concessions and getting to and from MARTA.”

So how does he get a real time sense of the games? By listening via internet to the audio broadcast. But it is rife with delay, and negatively impacts the experience due to the lack of "real time" commentary.

Broton using the OneCourt board to enjoy the Hawks game.

Credit: Beau Broton

“It was upsetting with the HD lag of the play-by-play but there is a company called OneCourt that has created a board where I can follow what’s going on.”

OneCourt, based in Seattle, allows Broton to hear the play-by-play in real time, follow the ball, players and to have a sense of 2 or 3 point shots. It’s really a marvel for visually impaired sports fans. It's so effective Ticketmaster is now involved.

OneCourt handheld device for visually impaired sports fans

Credit: OneCourt

According to the NiceNews, “Its (board) surface is a representation of the sport’s court or field, and different kinds of plays vibrate in different patterns. The company is partnering with professional sports leagues to make OneSport available at more stadiums across the country.”

The Hawks are the first franchise in Atlanta to use OneCourt. Currently, 9 NBA franchises have signed on. The data along with vibrations are revolutionary for the sightless sports fans, labeled by many as “Braille For Sports.”

OneCourt mockup drawing for the handheld device.

Credit: OneCourt

The Sports Business Journal writes: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the U.S. population of blind people is 1 million, with an additional 6 million who’ve experienced vision loss. So, while it’s likely a small sliver of the sports-consuming community, the device is an option that did not exist for these overlooked fans and can be an enriching additive to their in-venue connection and ability to support their favorite teams.”

“I love sports, the fun of meeting people, and cheering is great, getting out of the house, being around a big Hawks or Falcons crowd is a great fun experience for me. The (OneVision) board provides a sense in your mind of what’s going on,” offered the passionate Hawks fan of 10 years. 

Beau Breton wearing his Atlanta Hawks gear.

Credit: Beau Broton

"NFL games are easier to follow because of the crowd and the stadium public address announcer who will relay the play, the run or pass and the yardage, basketball isn't like that, but the board changes all that."