COLUMBUS, Ohio — Many thousands are planning to catch the total solar eclipse on April 8, a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event, but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) partnered to bring the experience to more people.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) have partnered to make to solar eclipse more inclusive

  • Through the use of technology known as LightSound, those who are blind or have low vision will be able to experience the event in a more audible format at Ohio state parks and wildlife areas

  • The tech was developed in 2017 and is being provided by The Harvard University Astronomy Lab

  • If you are unable to attend a location with this device or wish to use your own phone, the Ohio organizations are recommending the Eclipse Soundscapes app

Through the use of technology known as LightSound, those who are blind or have low vision will be able to experience the event in a more audible format at Ohio state parks and wildlife areas, according to an ODNR press release.

“Ensuring accessibility for all Ohioans is a priority for our administration,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. “By partnering with OOD and ODNR to introduce LightSound technology, we're taking meaningful steps to leave no Ohioan behind, especially during significant events like the solar eclipse."

The tech was developed in 2017 and is being provided by The Harvard University Astronomy Lab. According to the release, it uses “sonification” to convert “light intensity data into audible tones, allowing users to perceive changes as the moon eclipses the sun.”

ODNR Director Mary Mertz said they’re working hard to ensure everyone can enjoy the eclipse.

“We’re excited to partner with OOD to make this once-in-a-lifetime event even more accessible,” she said.

The list of locations where these devices will be available are as follows:

  • 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

"As an agency dedicated to empowering Ohioans with disabilities, OOD is proud to embrace innovative technology like LightSound," OOD Director Kevin Miller said in the release. "By leveraging such advancements, we promote a more accessible Ohio.”

The devices are not just for individuals, as they will be connected to speakers for group use.

Additionally, if you are unable to attend a location with this device or wish to use your own phone, the Ohio organizations are recommending the Eclipse Soundscapes app.

“This multimedia experience, designed inclusively for individuals who are blind or have low vision, offers educational resources and interactive features to engage users during eclipses,” the release said. “Through its “Eclipse Center” and “Rumple Map” functionalities, the app empowers users to explore upcoming eclipses and experience them through sound and touch.”

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