Vision: Impossible

February is Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Awareness Month. It provides a time that is dedicated to raising understanding of a rare, inherited eye condition that affects thousands of people across the UK and millions worldwide. An introduction to RP RP is a rare genetic eye condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that allows us to see. It causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision as the photoreceptor cells slowly stop working. It usually leaves central vision unaffected, but in extreme cases, patients can be left with no vision at all. RP affects everyone differently; no two experiences are the same. In fact, one person could have very limited central vision yet the other only struggles at night despite being the same age. Don ’ t make assumptions on level of vision. Ask questions often people with RP are happy to answer any, instead of you assuming. You should respect an individual wish not to answer if this is the case. Although RP is oft...

 Goalball is a fast-paced, highly tactical team sport created specifically for people with visual impairment. Unlike many adaptive sports that are modified versions of sighted games, goalball was designed from the outset to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted athletes. It relies on sound, touch, spatial awareness, and teamwork rather than vision, making it a unique and powerful example of inclusive sport. Played recreationally in local clubs and competitively on the world stage, goalball promotes physical fitness, confidence, and independence. It is one of the most physically demanding Paralympic sports and continues to grow in popularity as awareness of inclusive sport increases.   What Is Goalball? Goalball was developed in 1946 by Hanz Lorenzen,  Austrian,  and Sepp Reindle,  German,  as part of rehabilitation programmes for visually impaired veterans following the Second World War. Initially used to improve orientation, coordination, and physi...