Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel speaks with Beautiful Lives Project co-founder Bryce Weiler. In this fourth episode of the podcast’s seventh season, Weiler discusses accessibility in the sports world and potential improvements in professional markets. As someone who is blind, Weiler talks about raising awareness for gaps in accessibility on sports social media as well as his own story as a broadcaster.
Bryce Weiler
Weiler is a co-founder of the Beautiful Lives Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through sports and interactive opportunities. Born prematurely and diagnosed with Retinopathy causing blindness, Weiler’s journey inspires his deep commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Weiler’s career began at the University of Evansville, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management and Communication, while also color commentating on radio sports broadcasts. He furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Western Illinois University.Following his academic achievements, Weiler pioneered programs aimed at empowering fans with disabilities, collaborating initially with teams such as the Baltimore Orioles and the New Britain Bees. His initiatives extend nationwide, facilitating inclusive sports experiences on fields and courts, as well as innovative events in the performing arts sector. As a disability consultant for the Baltimore Orioles, Weiler has been instrumental in revolutionizing accessibility in sports. Notably, he guided the Orioles to become the first team to incorporate braille on their jerseys, honoring individuals who are blind. Weiler remains engaged as a speaker, sharing his personal journey and insights on overcoming challenges as a blind individual in the sports industry. His motivational comments inspire audiences nationwide to persevere through obstacles and achieve their aspirations, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in living fulfilling lives.
Beautiful Lives Project
Beautiful Lives Project creates immersive events aimed at defeating isolation within the disabled community and sparking deeper conversations about the value of integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. It works with companies, sports teams, and community organizations to host these custom events to help to defeat isolation today, break down social biases tomorrow, and generate long-term actions that will create a better quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs in the future.
0:43 – How Weiler developed his passion for sports
1:18 – Weiler’s beginnings working in sports
2:50 – The significance of radio broadcasts
4:34 – Visualizing the broadcast
5:43 – The story behind the Beautiful Lives Project
7:33 – Organizations accommodating for disabilities
10:15 – Accessibility necessities and addressing gaps
13:13 – Professional markets and their accessibility
15:20 – How to take initiative
17:44 – Motivating professional organizations to improve accessibility
20:27 – Accessibility of professional women’s league’s social media
22:18 – Accessibility of colleges’ social media
22:58 – Different experiences of disability
23:44 – How becoming more accessible can benefit organizations
25:33 – Beautiful Lives Project events and uniting people
