ROCKBRIDGE, Va. (WDBJ) – Many of us take Virginia’s natural beauty for granted, but for blind people, enjoying these sights isn’t so easy.
Now Natural Bridge State Park is the first in the country to offer them the opportunity to explore the area in a new way.
Lou Smith has been blind since birth.
“I wake up just like you. My phone is my alarm clock. It’s my weather forecaster,” Smith said.
But exploring places like Natural Bridge State Park can be challenging without help.
While many parks have Braille signs and ropes, the Right Hear app offers people like Smith additional flexibility. It’s available on Android and Apple devices and is available in 26 languages.
The app’s developer, Idan Meir, says Right Hear gives people with disabilities more independence.
“Wow, I can do this by myself. I don’t need anyone with me.” That’s the feeling of freedom we hear from many of our users,” Meir said.
“If I want to stop and meditate on something, I can. I don’t have to worry about whether anyone can see, be it my wife, a friend or anyone else,” Smith explained.
“Something like this provides an opportunity for a group of people who don’t always get the attention they deserve. It was an easy decision,” said Jim Jones, park manager at Natural Bridge State Park.
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