Ohio Agencies Light the Way for Inclusive Eclipse Experience

ZANESVILLE, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities have joined forces to introduce a new device at Ohio state parks to help those who are visually impaired experience the upcoming eclipse.

Developed in 2017, the LightSound device offers a unique way for individuals who are blind or have low vision to experience a solar eclipse through sound.

Bernadetta King, the Program Manager with the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired with the OOD, talked about how exactly people will be able to experience this celestial phenomenon.

“LightSound Technology, as I understand it, converts the level of light as the moon crosses the sun into audible tones, instrumental tones,” King said. “That will vary in range and volume as the light dims and then increases again. So what it does is, it allows someone who is blind to follow the progress of the eclipse.”

Kevin Miller, the Opportunities for Ohioans Director, says bringing this LightSound technology to the State Parks was spearheaded by ODNR Director Mary Mertz.

“I got to give a lot of credit to Director Mertz who called me up and said, ‘I think this is a great way to show that people can come to our parks all across Ohio,” Miller said. “Even those who have disabilities and be able to enjoy this once in a lifetime event.”

The Harvard University Astronomy Lab has provided LightSound devices that will be deployed at the following ODNR locations:

Alum Creek State Park
Delaware State Park
East Harbor State Park
Findley State Park
Geneva State Park
Grand Lake State Park
Headlands Beach State Park
Hueston Woods State Park
Indian Lake State Park
Lake Loramie State Park
Maumee Bay State Park
Mohican State Park
Mt. Gilead State Park
Portage Lakes State Park
Punderson State Park
Sycamore State Park
Wingfoot Lake State Park
Buck Creek State Park
John Bryan State Park
Kelleys Island State Park
Malabar Farm State Park
Mosquito Lake State Park
Pymatuning State Park
West Branch State Park
Van Buren State Park
Spring Valley Wildlife Area Shooting Range
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Visitor Center
Delaware Wildlife Area Shooting Range
Wildlife District Three Akron Office