Solar Eclipse Isn't for the Blind...NOT, It Totally Is!


PHOTO: Total solar eclipse
Credit: Rick Fienberg / TravelQuest International / Wilderness Travel
"Solar eclipse, HA! People who are blind or visually impaired cannot experience a solar eclipse!". This is the thought many people may have in regards to visual impairments and experiencing things beyond arms reach. On the contrary, I say, "Yes they can!". Thank you to technology, people who are blind or visually impaired can experience the solar eclipse! In this blog you will find  a collection of different methods which can be used to access the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017.  If I have missed a resource (which is completely possible), please post!


Eclipse Soundscapes


American Council of the Blind RADIO
  • Audio description
  • Tune in live FREE (depending upon location)

 "Getting A Feel for Eclipse"

Now...A Word of CAUTION

PHOTO: Group of children using solar eclipse glasses
Courtesy Mark Margolis / Rainbow Symphony
Although I L-O-V-E my career , please (I beg you!) do not give me job security by exposing your retinas to the solar eclipse. As a TBVI/COMS/CVRT, I would be remiss if I did not touch upon the dangers of viewing the solar eclipse. Your retinas are a precious body part which accepts visual images and passes the images onto the optic nerves which carries the images to your visual cortex. You will damage your retinas and cause a visual impairment by looking at the solar eclipse without protection. Below I have included a post by an Optometrist, a link to NASA's safety: Eclipse 101, and a YouTube video demonstrating proper methods to view the solar eclipse. 

I hope you find these resources helpful regarding accessibility to and safety for viewing the solar eclipse. Please feel free to share this blog again and again!

Happy and SAFE Viewing!!








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