Virginia marks a historic milestone: it is the first US state to install special color-blind sights in all of its 43 state parks. The initiative, launched in 2023, aims to offer a complete visual experience to those suffering from color blindness, a condition that impairs the perception of colors such as red and green. With the installation of the viewfinders, developed in collaboration with EnChroma and SeaCoast Manufacturing, even color-blind visitors will finally be able to appreciate the vibrant hues of the autumn foliage, which has always been one of Virginia’s most evocative natural spectacles.
The project began at Natural Tunnel State Park, and expanded to all state parks in Virginia by 2024. Ethan Howes, chief ranger and initiator of the initiative, started the project, inspired by his own experience as a color blind person. “We want to ensure that anyone can experience the thrill of nature in color,” Howes said. Thanks to these special lenses, which amplify color contrasts, people suffering from red-green color blindness can now clearly distinguish shades that were not perceptible before.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, color blindness affects approximately 12 million Americans, mostly men. This condition can hinder the ability to distinguish red from green, making it difficult to appreciate autumn colors. EnChroma viewfinders were designed to address this issue, amplifying colors so they can be perceived by those with visual impairments.
The realization of the project was possible thanks to the “Round-Up for Parks” program, which since 2018 has raised approximately 300,000 dollars through donations from visitors to state parks: the funds were used to finance the EnChroma viewfinders and to improve overall services offered in parks, such as the introduction of tools for the visually impaired, including the RightHear app, which provides real-time audio descriptions of park areas.

Matt Wells, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
We are proud to open a world of colors to those who could not see them before. This project makes our parks more accessible and sets a new standard for state parks nationwide.
Each year, more than 8 million people visit Virginia state parks, and an estimated 341,000 of these visitors suffer from color blindness. With EnChroma viewfinders, Virginia will ensure they have the opportunity to fully experience the natural beauty of the autumn landscape, a major step forward towards an inclusive experience for all, which furthers Virginia’s reputation as a leader in accessibility .
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