Light and Sound: Enhancing Accessibility for Ohioans with Disabilities during the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th

In preparation for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities have joined forces to introduce LightSound technology at Ohio state parks and wildlife areas. This innovative technology will enhance accessibility for Ohioans who are blind or have low vision during the event.

Governor Mike DeWine has emphasized the importance of ensuring accessibility for all Ohioans, particularly during significant events like the solar eclipse. The LightSound device, developed in 2017, converts light intensity data into audible tones through sonification, allowing individuals who are blind or have low vision to experience the solar eclipse through sound.

The Harvard University Astronomy Lab has provided LightSound devices that will be set up at 29 ODNR locations, enabling groups to experience the eclipse together. Additionally, the Eclipse Soundscapes app is available for free on Android and iPhone devices. This inclusive multimedia experience offers educational resources and interactive features to engage users who are blind or have low vision during eclipses. Through its “Eclipse Center” and “Rumple Map” functionalities, the app allows users to explore upcoming eclipses and experience them through sound and touch.

For more information about the LightSound devices and other plans for the total solar eclipse, visit ODNR’s eclipse website.