Despite ever-worsening vision and gnarly astigmatism, I try not to take for granted that I can still see. And with the correct glasses (bifocals), I can see relatively well. FUN FACT: there's a shade of blue that I absolutely cannot focus on, no matter how close or far away I am, nor how big or small the object/text is. If aliens of this particular color invaded Earth, they'd just look like fuzzy blobs to me. I'd get ACKED while squinting at them. /FUN FACT

Fall foliage is something that normal-visioned folks get to enjoy every year. State parks  - where we often can enjoy abundant fall foliage - are finally installing technology to allow a group of people - the colorblind - to enjoy the fall foliage, too.

Virginia State Parks Have Installed Colorblind-Friendly Viewfinders

Credit: Virginia DCR
Credit: Virginia DCR
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As you can see in the pic above, the difference between how normies see fall foliage and how the colorblind see fall foliage is stark.

Virginia State Parks began installing viewfinders with EnChroma-equipped lenses to help people with red-green Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) see more vibrant colors. They've also been loaning out EnChroma glasses. This year, Virginia became the first state to install the viewfinders in all (43) of their state parks, with funding coming from donations through the Round-Up Parks Program.

The initiative began in 2023, and was led by Virginia State Parks Chief Ranger Ethan Howes...who is colorblind.

Chief Ranger Ethan Howes Credit: Virginia DCR)
Virginia State Parks Chief Ranger Ethan Howes (Credit: Virginia DCR)
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Colorblind guests have sung the praises of the viewfinders:

"Y’all see this every day, huh? Everything’s not the same green. The colors are more vibrant.” ~Keith W.

That’s incredible. It’s so different. The colors just pop out more.” ~ Robert P.

"Through the finder, I can definitely tell that there’s a lot more variation. I am looking forward to being able to experience that a little more thoroughly." ~Tyler H.

What About Minnesota State Parks?

Way ahead of you, bro! As part of the $149.9 million Get Out MORE investments into Minnesota State Parks this past April (2024), 65 pairs of specialized glasses were purchased for visitors with red-green CVD. I believe that a lot of Minnesota state parks just aren't hilly enough for the specialized viewfinders...but a lot are (we have 64 parks, plus 9 recreations areas and 9 waysides).

The glasses are a very good start. I hope we can get viewfinders installed in the next round of investments.

If you have a colorblind student, you might be able to get free corrective glasses! Check out the Southwest Initiative Foundation for a program that was initiated by a Cottonwood, Minnesota family!

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H/T: Virginia DCR / Minnesota DNR / Travel + Leisure

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