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The Virginia State Parks system has taken a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity by becoming the first park system in the nation to install EnChroma-adapted viewfinders for colorblind guests at each of its 43 locations. These viewfinders, made by SeeCoast Manufacturing, are equipped with special lenses designed to help those with red-green Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) experience an expanded range of visible color.

The initiative was led by Chief Ranger Ethan Howes, who is colorblind himself, at Natural Tunnel State Park in 2023. Following its success, the remaining locations received their viewfinders in 2024. The purchase of the viewfinders was made possible through donations received via the Round-Up for Parks Program, allowing visitors to contribute to enhancing the park experience for all.

The EnChroma-adapted viewfinders aim to provide red-green colorblind individuals with the opportunity to better enjoy the vibrant beauty of the state parks. In a launch event, six local red-green colorblind individuals tried the viewfinders at Pocahontas State Park and shared their experiences. EnChroma CEO Erik Ritchie commended Virginia State Parks for their efforts in making the colorful beauty of the parks more accessible to those with color vision deficiencies.

With over 8 million visitors annually, approximately 341,000 visitors to Virginia State Parks are colorblind. The EnChroma lenses are engineered to aid those with deuteranomalous and protanomalous CVD, providing them with an expanded range of visible color. Virginia State Parks joins over 400 organizations worldwide in supporting colorblind guests through this initiative.

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Photo credit finance.yahoo.com