Northwest Association for Blind Athletes

Since its inception, NWABA has grown into a regional leader in adaptive sports programming, serving individuals of all ages and abilities. The organization delivers 5,000+ program and service interactions annually through 500+ in-person and virtual events. Over the last 18 years, the organization has continued to serve a greater need and continues to break down barriers to ensure every person can join the game, play and exercise. Our tailored programming is designed to improve the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals using sports and physical activities as a catalyst through these four program areas:

Sports Outreach uses sport and physical activities like swimming, running, tandem biking, kayaking, snowboarding, hiking, track & field, snowshoeing, rock climbing, beep baseball, blind soccer, goalball, yoga and more! Participation also provides the opportunity to develop friendships as it brings athletes together, out of their homes, to enjoy an activity together. Our blind athletes are matched one-to-one with wonderful volunteers and activities are led by our staff, all of whom possess master's degrees in teaching and sports adaptations. 

Sports Adaptation provides adapted equipment instruction, equipment lending at no-charge, a comprehensive instructional video library and physical education consultations for individuals, parents, and schools.

Camp Spark provides youth who are blind or visually impaired with a unique opportunity to participate in a weeklong developmental youth sports camp. Hosted on a college campus, this program utilizes sports and physical activity to increase independence, confidence, community, and greater quality of life.

Virtual Programs offer a variety of 60-minute live and pre-recorded, audio-described, and high-contrast virtual workouts for blind and visually impaired individuals with the goal of ensuring all individuals have access to fitness classes to improve their physical and mental health. Our virtual programs help people anywhere across the United States, those in rural areas and those who lack transportation!

Although the nationally mandated Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires school districts to provide an equal physical education experience for all children regardless of their abilities, in many communities this law is ignored. Often, blind and visually impaired students are left out and told to sit on the sidelines. This often continues into their adulthood and many with this disability go their whole life without access to sport and physical activity. 

Our programs not only make sports and physical activities accessible but also offer blind and visually impaired individuals a life-changing catalyst to gain confidence, develop skills, achieve goals, and build community. As the majority of individuals who are blind live in poverty due to their disability, all our programs are free to our athletes!

Any amount makes a difference!! We greatly appreciate your support!

Learn more about our programs and services at nwaba.org.