How Technology And CAF Empower Blind Athlete Scott Leason To Compete And Thrive

“Hey Siri” Has a Whole New Meaning: How Technology and CAF Empower Scott Leason

CAF Staff

May 14, 2018

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Every day, Challenged Athlete Scott Leason navigates life without sight, relying on sound, touch, voice guidance, and cutting-edge technology. From his early love of ocean sports to competing as a blind waterskier and IRONMAN finisher, Scott’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of community support through CAF’s Operation Rebound program.

From Ocean Kid to U.S. Navy Service

Born in Chicago, Scott moved to Newport Beach, California at a young age. Growing up on the coast, he spent countless hours surfing, waterskiing, and exploring the ocean. At 20, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably for seven years.

In 1993, while working at a convenience store after his service, Scott was shot in the head during a robbery. The bullet narrowly missed his brain but left him blind and without a sense of smell. The most painful loss wasn’t just his sight—it was the inability to participate in the sports that defined his youth.

Reclaiming Sports with CAF

After years of adapting to his new reality, Scott rediscovered sports in 2007 when he waterskied again for the first time as a blind athlete. A year later, CAF’s Operation Rebound program provided a grant for specialized training and equipment, opening doors to athletic opportunities Scott thought were gone forever.

Since then, he has:

Competed in multiple IRONMAN triathlons, including Oceanside 70.3
Represented Team USA as the only visually impaired athlete at the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship
Made history as the first-ever blind waterskier to compete in a World Wake Association (WWA) event
“CAF Operation Rebound has helped me overcome obstacles I once thought were insurmountable. CAF’s support has been truly empowering for me.” – Scott Leason

The Digital Difference in Sport

Scott thrives in high-adrenaline sports—waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing, and triathlon. Technology has played a crucial role in leveling the playing field.

With CAF’s help, Scott received an Audio Signaling Device for slalom waterskiing that emits beeps to guide his timing around buoys. It allows him to ski with the same rhythm and precision as sighted competitors.

Surfing has also benefited from innovation: on days without in-water coaching, Scott wears a waterproof walkie-talkie on his helmet to receive wave-by-wave instructions from the beach.

Technology Enhancing Daily Life

Since losing his sight 25 years ago, Scott has witnessed technology evolve to dramatically improve independence for people with visual impairments.

As a beta tester for Aira smart glasses, Scott can contact remote agents who guide him through airports, help find restaurants, and even assist with caring for his seeing-eye dog, Snickers.

Screen-reader-compatible websites and real-time remote support software like TeamViewer help Scott complete tasks independently, from registering for races to managing everyday activities.

“Technology has grown leaps and bounds since my injury. It’s all there for us,” says Scott.

Apple Watch: A Game-Changer

Scott now uses an Apple Watch to train and stay fit without needing assistance to track progress.

Before, treadmill workouts required staff to read stats out loud. Now, Siri provides instant audio feedback on distance, heart rate, and calories burned. Scott also uses it during tandem cycling rides with the Blind Stokers Club and on his indoor bike training sessions.

“Everything is done by voice,” Scott explains. “Temperature, date, breathing, heart rate—it’s all read aloud with a swipe and double tap.”

25 Years of CAF and Scott’s Athletic Comeback

This year marks 25 years since Scott became blind and 25 years of CAF transforming lives through sport.

Since receiving his first CAF grant in 2008, Scott has achieved remarkable milestones:

Competed in multiple IRONMAN triathlons
Cycled 620 miles down the California coast
Returned to competitive surfing and waterskiing
Inspired thousands as a pioneer for visually impaired athletes

“I was angry when I first came to CAF,” Scott reflects. “But since that first grant and all the support I’ve received, that anger has turned into contentment through sports and fitness.”

CAF’s community impact goes beyond equipment and grants. “I feel like part of a family,” says Scott. “Everyone is loving and supportive. We all pull from each other, adapting and finding solutions.”

He recalls advice from fellow CAF athlete Lance Weir:

“Whenever an opportunity presents itself, always say yes.”