Northwest Association for Blind Athletes

Founded in 2007, Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) has been providing life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to children, youth and adults who are blind and visually impaired. Seventeen years ago, a group of visually impaired students, including NWABA Founder, President & CEO, Billy Henry, wanted to ensure that people who are blind and visually impaired had access to participate in sports and physical activity, and formed this charitable organization. Since then, not only has the organization grown but our athletes have grown with us; learning to engage in different sports and recreational activities, develop friendships, increase self-esteem, and improve their orientation and mobility skills. Most importantly, they thrive in all aspects of their lives by building confidence, making connections, and become part of a community.

Being blind or visually impaired creates obstacles that can feel impossible to overcome, such as finding sustainable employment, participating in sports and activities, and connecting with others. Nationwide, the unemployment rate for individuals who are blind is 70-80% and we believe the primary reason for this is a lack of confidence and self-esteem. Because of these difficulties, most who individuals who are blind lead a sedentary lifestyle, and never experience what many people take for granted. However, when introduced to physical activity and sports, individuals with visual impairments are given the support and confidence needed to follow their dreams.

NWABA provides year-round programs and services for children, youth and adults who are blind and visually impaired throughout Washington. Our four core programs are:

Sports Outreach – Offers unlimited in-person sports and physical activity programs to athletes of all ages and abilities.

Camp Spark – Comprehensive overnight summer and winter sports camps for children, youth and young adults who are blind and visually impaired. This unique model uses sports and physical activity, along with orientation and mobility as a catalyst to encourage leadership, independence, advocacy, and daily living skills that contribute to overall greater quality of life. Camp Spark is available at no cost to the campers or their families.

Virtual Programming – 60-minute live and pre-recorded, audio-described virtual workouts help to keep our athletes healthy and active at home.

Sports Adaptations – Provides access for all individuals who are blind and visually impaired at home and in schools. This program includes our adaptive equipment lending program, a comprehensive instructional video library, and consultations for athletes, educators, school districts and families, providing unlimited inclusion and participation for all.

Any amount makes a difference and thanks to generous matching donations through the James Roy Foster Foundation and the Emil Fries Fund, YOUR GIFT WILL BE TRIPLED during Give Big Washington, now through midnight on May 8th!

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