Reimagining the NFL Draft Through Touch
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh/Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians
Innovation Synopsis
When Pittsburgh prepared to welcome the 2026 National Football League Draft, the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP) asked how people who are blind or visually impaired could experience the excitement, rather than simply hear about it. LAMP transformed a highly visual cultural event into an immersive, multisensory experience through 3D-printed models of top draft prospects, tactile logos and Pittsburgh sports landmarks, Braille information, and hands-on access to official Pittsburgh Steelers equipment. The result was a new way for patrons to experience a major Pittsburgh moment through touch, technology and community connection.
Challenge/Opportunity
The National Football League Draft is a highly visual cultural experience, from seeing the players and team logos to watching athletes in uniform and experiencing Pittsburgh’s sports landmarks. For people who are blind or visually impaired, verbal descriptions alone cannot always convey the physical characteristics, scale or details that make these experiences meaningful.
LAMP saw an opportunity to rethink accessibility, not simply by describing visual experiences, but by creating opportunities for patrons to explore them directly.
The challenge was to:
• Make the excitement of the Draft tangible and participatory for blind and visually impaired patrons.
• Translate visual elements of football and Pittsburgh sports culture into tactile experiences.
• Demonstrate how library technology, creativity and partnerships can remove barriers to participation in major community events.
Key Elements of Innovation
LAMP transformed the NFL Draft from something to watch into something patrons could experience—through touch. By combining 3D printing, tactile design, authentic artifacts and community partnership, staff created an inclusive, multisensory celebration of football and Pittsburgh sports.
Staff 3D-printed busts of top NFL prospects so patrons could explore players’ features by touch. Tactile NFL logos, Braille information and 3D models of Pittsburgh sports landmarks added layers of discovery. A partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers brought the experience to life with official helmets, jerseys and shoulder pads that patrons could touch, try on and experience firsthand.
LAMP also hosted sports historian Mark Fatla for a presentation exploring the history of venues that are no longer standing.
By combining tactile technology, authentic artifacts, local history and community partnership, LAMP turned a major cultural event into an experience everyone could explore, feel and share.
Achieved Outcomes
The initiative demonstrated that accessibility can do more than remove barriers. The Draft celebration gave patrons a compelling reason to visit LAMP, experience its innovative approach and discover accessible media, technology and services beyond the event.
Patrons responded enthusiastically. Staff reported that patrons “loved” the 3D-printed player busts, while one shared that the program helped them better understand the Draft and feel more involved because they could experience elements of it firsthand.
The Pittsburgh Steelers partnership brought authentic equipment to the experience, while expanded programming connected patrons with Pittsburgh sports history, authors and one another. Media coverage, extended awareness of LAMP’s work beyond its existing audience.
The program offers a replicable model for using timely community events to expand awareness, strengthen partnerships and create inclusive experiences through technology, creativity and tactile exploration.
