The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities have partnered to bring LightSound technology to Ohio state parks and wildlife areas, enhancing accessibility for blind or low-vision individuals during the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8. Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the importance of ensuring that all Ohioans, especially during significant events like the solar eclipse, have equal opportunities to experience this natural phenomenon.
The LightSound device, developed in 2017, converts light intensity data into audible tones, allowing individuals with visual impairments to experience a solar eclipse through sound. The Harvard University Astronomy Lab has provided 29 LightSound devices that will be deployed at ODNR locations, including various state parks. These devices will be connected to speakers, enabling groups to experience the eclipse together. In addition to LightSound, OOD and DNR are promoting the Eclipse Soundscapes app, which is available for free on Android and iPhone devices. This app offers educational resources and interactive features specifically designed for individuals with visual impairments to engage them during eclipses. Users can explore upcoming eclipses using functionalities like the “Eclipse Center” and “Rumple Map,” experiencing them through sound and touch.
For more information about LightSound devices and other plans for the total solar eclipse, visit ODNR’s eclipse website.
