
13-year-old's invention allows athletes to feel signals from referees
By Staci Hupp
January 7th, 2008
Celia Beron isn't known for compassion on the soccer field. The wily eighth-grader from Richardson has a reputation for steals and blocked kicks, and she has the trophy collection to prove it.
These days, she's capturing attention for a major assist to other athletes, but she didn't use her legs. She used her heart.
Celia, 13, invented Ref for the Deaf, a special bracelet that vibrates for deaf players who can't hear the sound of a referee's whistle or starter gun.
With some help from Celia's father and two graduate students from the University of Texas at Dallas, a good idea from a skinny girl with braces has the makings of a great product. Supporters see a demand from elementary school gymnasiums to the Special Olympics and beyond.