Blind Fitness is a California-based 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is to empower people who are blind or have low vision through sports, recreation, and physical activity while educating the public of their abilities. Blind Fitness was founded by Brianna Pettit in 2021 with the purpose of providing more opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision to engage in physical and recreational activities. Too often, people with vision loss are unable to participate in sports and recreational activities due to the challenges related to accessibility. Blind Fitness and its events have been created not because people who are blind or have low vision are incapable of exercising independently. Their ability to exercise independently is often undermined by inaccessible construction and infrastructure. Blind Fitness was established to remedy this by providing a service with the blind and low vision community that makes fitness and recreational opportunities more accessible and to create opportunities that allow them to navigate these structures in order to enjoy sports and fitness while engaging with their community.

In 2021, a Blind Fitness athlete was selected to represent the United States in the International Surfing Association world parasurfing competition. As a result of this international involvement, Blind Fitness began to form a group of leaders, athletes, educators and coaches to address the needs of people with vision loss in order to help structure and promote fitness activities for people who are blind or have low vision. Blind Fitness offers ongoing Orientation and Mobility training as well as an ever evolving menu of group and 1:1 fitness and recreational activities such as surfing, running, cycling, outrigger canoeing, hiking and yoga.

In addition to providing people who are blind or have low vision with fitness opportunities, Blind Fitness is dedicated to changing society’s negative stereotypes and limited beliefs concerning the abilities of people who are blind or have low vision. We combat these stereotypes by educating the public and directly addressing any barriers that might impact the blind and low vision community. People who have experienced gradual, sudden or lifelong vision loss (or any disability for that matter) understand that their experience has a lot to offer. Contrary to conventional definitions and perceptions of blindness, people with vision loss are not lost, confused, or living in a constant state of chaos. They have learned to slow down and pay attention. To listen and to feel. Thank you for having the curiosity and courage to step into the world of the blind. It is one that is beautiful and complex, as are all lives. So let us take good care of each other. Go Blind Fitness!

At Blind Fitness, we envision a world in which all people who are blind and vision impaired can participate fully in any aspect of sport, physical activity, and recreation as they choose.

We believe that freedom of movement is a basic human right. We help level the playing field by creating opportunities for all people who are blind or vision impaired to have access to the same level of sports, recreation and leisure activities as their sighted peers.

Because we believe that, everyday we are spreading awareness of people who are blind and vision impaired, building a platform for our athletes to access and excel in sports and recreation, and dismounting obstacles and barriers that stand in our athletes way of achieving their individual goals. In doing so, Blind Fitness is recognized as an authentic voice representing athletes who are blind and vision impaired at a local, state, and national level.

Self Actualization: Dedicated to the potential of each person who is blind or visually impaired participating in Blind Fitness to realize their individual goals. We challenge people who are blind and visually impaired to step beyond their comfort zone, challenge their limiting beliefs, and expand their boundaries.

Respect: We respect and honor the inherent value and contributions of people who are blind and visually impaired.

Integrity: Conduct our business honestly, transparently, and ethically.

Diversity: Committed to welcoming and including all individuals from various cultural backgrounds and life experiences, regardless of disability, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or age.

Inclusion: Welcome, serve, and support all people with dignity and respect.

Healthy living: We inspire individuals that are blind and vision impaired to prioritize their health and take pride in adopting a healthy lifestyle. We promote mental wellness and the crucial role that exercise plays in fostering mental health.