ACBVA shares three ways the blind and low-vision can hear and feel the eclipse
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Three ways the blind and low-vision can hear and feel the eclipse
Thank you to the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) for keeping the world informed about three ways the blind and low vision can hear and feel the eclipse. Innovative technological advances have made it possible for the blind and low vision to hear and feel spectacular visual events like the eclipse.
Cellular applications, tablets, and handheld devices are a few ways this technology changes using the sense of sight to using the senses of hearing and touch. Changes in the level of light are interpreted by changing the decibel levels of sound and the levels of vibrations.
How to access the Eclipse with Inclusive Live Aira Visual Interpretation Coverage
Join Aira and the South East Area Coalition of Rochester, NY, on April 8th for the “Total Eclipse of the Park” event at Genesee Valley Park, situated directly in the path of totality. This once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse viewing experience will be enhanced with Aira’s live visual interpretation, ensuring the blind and low-vision community can partake in the astronomical spectacle alongside 31 million others in the path of totality. From 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Eastern time, Aira’s visual interpreters will bring the eclipse to life via Aira’s YouTube channel, adding insights on the appearance of the sky, the sun’s corona during totality, and capturing the reactions of park patrons as day turns to night.
This live broadcast will be streamed throughout Genesee Valley Park during the totality, making it a truly inclusive event. Access Aira’s YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvTWpoo6BVrn2pOFreWQGGw
Information about the Eclipse App
The free app will help you enjoy the total solar eclipse on April 8 through tactile and audio information in real-time. You will have to allow your phone to know your location. Also, you can get heads-up information about future Lunar and Solar eclipses.
iOS App Store Link
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/eclipse-soundscapes/id126215299
Google Play Store Link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.eclipsesoundscapes
From the iOS App Store:
The Eclipse Soundscapes app is a multi-sensory experience for people of all learning styles to engage with astronomical events, including total solar eclipses. Inside this app, you will find countdowns to major astronomical events in your area, and real-time narrations of those events with illustrative audio descriptions provided by the GBH National Center for Accessible Media. You can also explore the cosmos with high-quality photos, educational information, and accessible learning tools.
The Eclipse with the American Council of the Blind (ACB)
The eclipse is almost here, and you can experience the total eclipse of the sun through SOUND. Join us today, Monday, April 8, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. CT/2:00-4:00 p.m. ET, on ACB Media and Zoom.
Harvard University’s astronomy department welcomes those who are blind or have low vision to experience the upcoming total eclipse of the sun through use of the LIGHTSOUND device. The device uses a technique called sonification, which is the process of converting data—in this case, light intensity—into sound.
ACB and ACB Media are proud to partner with Harvard to broadcast this amazing event where you will be able to experience and track through sound the eclipse as it reaches totality at different times from Texas through Vermont. People from many different organizations around the country will connect their LIGHTSOUND devices to Zoom as the eclipse reaches totality at their location.
To join this event:
Use the built-in media player on ACB Media 2 at https://acbmedia.org/2
Say to your Alexa device: Alexa, ask ACB Media to play 2
Access Media 2 from your ACB link App or Join via Zoom at https://acb-org.zoom.us/j/82689523178
Check the Community Event schedule for information about attending the event through a community call and on ACB Media 5.
For more information about the LIGHTSOUND Project, visit https://astrolab.fas.harvard.edu/LightSound.html
Enjoy seeing, hearing, and feeling the accessible eclipse today!
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Join the ACBVA Family
To learn more about the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s (ACBVA) continued mission for accessibility for all blind and low vision, click the button below.
Join the American Council of the Blind of Virginia’s Email List
As a member of ACBVA, I encourage you to join our email list to be a part of a vibrant community of visually impaired persons, attend informative monthly online meetings, and learn more about important accessible resources.
For those interested in the benefits of the American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) organization, you can also become a member, click the link below!
