‘It’s a step towards a more inclusive society’: Blind charity on Love Island 2023’s Ron Hall

Winter Love Island 2023 is starting with a bang with a bunch of singletons ready to find love in an extremely boujee South African villa. Amongst these single 20 somethings is Ron Hall, Love Island’s first ever partially sighted contestant. Love Island 2023 contestant Ron, is blind in one eye and is keen to talk about his injury while on the show, in order to raise awareness and help other people by discussing his disability on screen.

Ron lost his sight in one eye when he was just eight years old in a football injury. Speaking with ITV ahead of the series, Ron opened up about how he got his injury. Ron said: “It was the result of a football injury when I was eight. I went in for a header and got kicked in the face. I’ve got two different coloured eyes, one blue and one green.”

via Instagram @ronhall__

The 25-year-old said being partially sighted has added to character and that it helped him realise there are “so many people that are worse off” than himself. “It’s not hindered me in any shape or form. It’s a good conversation starter I must admit,” he added.

The Tab spoke with Julie Tobin, the Deputy Chief Executive of British Wireless for the Blind Fund, about the importance of Ron being on a show such as Love Island. Julie told The Tab: “Whether it’s our TV schedules, the phones we use, or the cities we live in, sadly our world isn’t always designed for people with sight loss.

“Through our work to make audio technology more accessible for people who are blind or partially sighted, we know how frustrating it can feel to be locked out from experiences others take for granted.

“Having someone with sight loss like Ron in this year’s Love Island villa really is a step towards a more inclusive society. The more we see people who are blind or partially sighted on our screens, building our cities – or indeed designing our audio technology – the more hospitable our world will become.”

via Instagram @ronhall__

The British Wireless for the Blind Fund is a charity which provides radios and specially designed apps for people living with sight loss across the United Kingdom. Ron has described himself as the “most genuine person you’ll meet,” and is hoping people will enjoy his company while in the villa.

Winter Love Island 2023 is on tonight at 9pm. For all the latest Love Island news and gossip and for the best memes and quizzes, like The Holy Church of Love Island on Facebook.

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Featured image credit via ITV and Instagram @ronhall__.