A Vision for Inclusion: Foreseeable Future and Make48 Team Up to Empower the Visually Impaired

We connected with the Foreseeable Future Foundation, an important organization dedicated to enriching the lives of the visually impaired and blind community through sports, recreation, education, and entertainment. 

Kansas State School for the Blind at Children's Mercy Park. Photo Credit: Sporting KC Community Impact

Founded in 2017 by Griffin Pinkow, who himself lives with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Foreseeable Future has already impacted thousands of individuals and their families. Their mission is driven by values of modesty, motivation, leadership, and a steadfast "no quit" attitude – principles that shine brightly through their impactful programs.

Griffin vividly recalls the moment his vision loss became undeniable: "My first significant visual challenge occurred when I couldn't track a baseball. Initially, glasses seemed to help, but my vision rapidly deteriorated. After six months of consultations, I received the diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa at age 11, and my family explained the profound changes ahead."

Despite this significant challenge, Griffin's passion for sports remained. He continued to play alongside sighted peers until college. However, a pivotal moment arrived during a rugby attempt. "A head injury forced me to confront my vision loss and recognize the importance of open communication," Griffin explains. This realization sparked a new path. At Susquehanna University, he channeled his experience into organizing awareness events and fundraising for research. His senior year marked a turning point: discovering adaptive sports and completing the New York City Marathon ignited a powerful desire to ensure the visually impaired community wouldn't be excluded from the joys of sports and recreation, and to address the broader challenges of living with vision loss.

This personal journey ultimately led Griffin to establish the Foreseeable Future Foundation. Now, the Foundation is embarking on an exciting new chapter through a partnership with Make48. Griffin describes the serendipitous connections that paved the way for this collaboration, beginning with ties to the Kansas State School for the Blind and Envision, ultimately leading to a shared vision with the innovative Make48 team.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

The synergy between Foreseeable Future and Make48 is clear. Make48's innovative and hands-on challenge format aligns perfectly with Foreseeable Future's goal of empowering the visually impaired and blind community. As Griffin states, this partnership aims to harness the ingenuity of the Make48 platform to develop tangible solutions that enhance accessibility across various aspects of life, with an initial focus on transforming stadium experiences.

"The statistic that 70% of the visually impaired and blind community is unemployed underscores the urgent need for initiatives that cultivate skills and opportunities," Griffin emphasizes. The collaboration with Make48 offers a unique avenue for individuals to pursue entrepreneurial ideas and develop innovative products, potentially fostering greater independence and economic empowerment.

A central goal of this partnership is ambitious yet incredibly vital: to ensure that every stadium and field, from local high schools to professional arenas, becomes fully immersive and accessible for individuals with visual impairments. Imagine the enhanced experience of attending a Sporting KC game, feeling completely integrated into the vibrant atmosphere!

Photo Credit: Sporting KC Community Impact

This vision was recently brought to life when Sporting Kansas City hosted an inspiring stadium tour for the high school class from the Kansas State School for the Blind in late March. Students gained firsthand insights into stadium operations, explored accessibility features, and even visited The Victory Project suite! This impactful opportunity builds upon the February "Stadium Experience" challenge, a collaboration between Make48 and Project Lead The Way, where seven Missouri high school teams competed at UMKC to design the future of inclusive stadium experiences. This challenge reflects Sporting Kansas City's deep commitment to engaging its growing fanbase and fostering innovation within the sport.

The collective hope is that the innovative solutions emerging from the Make48 challenge, championed by students and individuals from the visually impaired community, can be scaled and implemented across various venues. This not only benefits those with visual impairments but also creates more inclusive environments for everyone.

Beyond Partnership: A Spectrum of Impactful Programs

Foreseeable Future's impact extends far beyond this exciting partnership. Their diverse programs touch countless lives, fostering a sense of possibility and inclusion. Ana Khadivi, who assists with social media and the newsletter, emphasized the wide range of support they provide. From aspiring marathon runners to individuals wanting to try skiing or climbing, Foreseeable Future offers grants and resources to make these dreams a reality.

Griffin highlighted the profound impact of their Ranch Camps, which provide unique recreational experiences in partnership with organizations like the Utah School for the Blind and VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. These camps offer a supportive environment where participants can engage in activities like interacting with horses, fostering both physical and emotional well-being. "Not everyone identifies as an athlete," Griffin explained, ""but these camps create an inclusive environment where they can participate in recreational activities and simply belong."

Another impactful initiative is their "Dining in the Dark" events. These immersive experiences allow sighted individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and insights of navigating the world without sight. By fostering empathy and awareness, these events bridge the gap between the sighted and visually impaired communities.

Looking Towards a Brighter, More Inclusive Future

Foreseeable Future's aspirations are clear: to continue expanding their reach and impact. This includes growing their existing programs, forging new partnerships, and further developing their advocacy curriculum, which provides valuable resources and guidance for self-advocacy.

Both Griffin and Anna emphasized the various ways the Make48 community can support Foreseeable Future's vital mission:

• Share the Stories: Help amplify the voices and successes of individuals supported by Foreseeable Future by sharing their blog posts and updates.

• Spread Awareness About Grants: Inform individuals in your community who could benefit from Foreseeable Future's grants for adaptive sports and recreational activities.

• Donate: Contributions directly support their programs and enable them to reach even more individuals.

• Volunteer: Explore opportunities to get involved in events like Ranch Camps or the Five Borough Bike Tour, offering your time and skills to make a tangible difference.

The partnership between Foreseeable Future and Make48 holds immense promise for creating a more inclusive and accessible world. By combining Foreseeable Future's deep understanding of the visually impaired community with Make48's innovative problem-solving approach, they are poised to break down barriers and empower individuals to live life to the fullest. It's a story of connection, collaboration, and a shared vision for a future where everyone can participate and thrive.