More History-Making At Natural Bridge

State Park First In U.S. To Install System For Sight Impaired

Natural Bridge State Park has become the first state park in the country to install the RightHearAccessibility system, taking a pioneering step toward inclusivity.

Virginia’s 37th state park is now fully accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired.

“We are proud to lead the way in accessibility by becoming the first state park system in the U.S. to offer RightHear for our guests,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker in a ceremony at Natural Bridge lastWednesday morning.

“This innovative technology ensures that all visitors to Natural Bridge State Park, regardless of their visual abilities, can experience the wonder of the Natural Bridge,” she said. “We are committed to making our parks welcoming and inclusive destinations for everyone.”

The RightHear system offers a user-friendly experience, empowering individuals with visual impairments to explore and engage with their surroundings seamlessly. Upon entering the park, users can easily access audio instructions and directions through their smartphones, guiding them to key points where beacons have been installed along the trail.

The information can be delivered in up to 26 languages, ensuring that the solution meets the needs of the diverse and cosmopolitan nature of Natural Bridge State Park.

Key features of the RightHear system at Natural Bridge State Park include the following: - Real-time audio assistance: The RightHear mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, provides users with real-time audio guidance and information about the Bridge, visitor center and other areas of the park.

- Orientation assistance: Users can acquire better orientation, receive audio descriptions about their surroundings and easily locate important areas, enhancing their overall experience and independence.

- Event and service information: The RightHear system is capable of delivering detailed information about upcoming events and any relevant announcements, ensuring that everyone is well-informed when they arrive at the park.

“At Natural Bridge, we believe that everyone should have equal access to the park,” said Park Manager Jim Jones. “With the installation of RightHear, we are taking a significant stride toward creating an inclusive environment where all guests, including those who are blind or low vision, can enjoy their visit. The implementation of the Right-Hear system aligns with our ongoing dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.”

Idan Meir, co-founder and CEO of RightHear, added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Natural Bridge in their commitment to accessibility and inclusion. By embracing innovative solutions like RightHear, organizations and businesses can create welcoming environments that cater to diverse visitor needs and preferences, in both indoor and outdoor environments. Our mission is to make the whole world more accessible, one location at a time, and thanks to partners like Natural Bridge, our mission continues to move forward.”

Layne Johnson, a sight-impaired Roanoke resident who had visited Natural Bridge before and after he lost his sight, came up with the idea of the tourist attraction obtaining this technology.

The installation of RightHear at Natural Bridge State Park was made possible with support from the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park and the Rockbridge Community Health Foundation.

For more information about RightHear, contact Darren Gladstone, U.S. operations director, RightHear, at [email protected] or (240) 789-9008.

For more information about Natural Bridge, call the park at (540) 291-1326.

‘We are proud to lead the way in accessibility by becoming the first state park system in the U.S. to offer RightHear for our guests,’ - Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker