Three engineering students Johns Hopkins University devised a system that enables blind people to play hoops. A large sound emitter beacon is mounted behind the backboard. Another tiny emitter is embedded in an airtight void within a Spalding "Infusion" basketball. The void in that particular ball normally contains a tiny inflation pump. From Headlines@Hopkins:
(Mike) Bullis, representing the project's sponsor (Blind Industries and Services of Maryland), cautioned that this prototype system is not perfect. The basketball's sound pitch needs to be lowered for the comfort of players and to avoid echo problems, which would sometimes make it difficult for a blind player to identify the ball's location. Bullis plans to consult a sports equipment maker about modifying the pitch. He also hopes to persuade a company to install the system in other sports items, including soccer balls and volleyballs. "The process is ongoing," he said. "But I think we'll end up with an audible ball that's going to be a huge asset to the blind community."
