Virginia expands EnChroma viewfinders to all 43 state parks, leading nation in colorblind inclusivity

ROANOKE, Va. ( WFXR ) – The Virginia Department of Conservation ( DCR ) has announced they are expanding their EnChroma viewfinders to 43 state parks , making Virginia the national leader for inclusivity for colorblind guests.

On June 28, 2023, the first EnChroma viewfinder was installed at the Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, Va. Ethan Howes, Chief Ranger of Visitor Experience, led the process to purchase the initiative as he is also colorblind. It was installed at the park’s gazebo to provide a 360-degree view overlooking Rye Cove.

“Natural Tunnel State Park is proud to be the first location in Virginia to offer accommodations for red-green colorblind guests,” said Howes. “This viewer will allow park visitors with red-green colorblindness to more fully experience the splendors nature has to offer. Being colorblind, I am looking forward to seeing the colorful fall foliage this year.”

The remaining 42 parks have now been fitted with the viewfinders.

SeeCoast Manufacturing designed the EnChroma viewfinder to help individuals with red-green Color Vision Deficiency ( CVD ) experience colors. People with normal color vision can see over one million colors. People with red-green CVD are estimated to see about 10% of hues and shades, meaning colors containing red and green can appear dull and indistinguishable.

(Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Virginia Department of Conservation)

“This initiative underscores Virginia’s commitment to enhancing outdoor experiences for all visitors and sets a new standard for state parks nationwide,” said Matt Wells , director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which manages Virginia State Parks. “We’re proud to play a role in opening up a world of vibrant color for colorblind individuals to experience nature like never before.”

Funding for the viewfinders was received by donations from the Round-Up for Parks Program. Almost $300,000 has been given by visitors since 2018.

“Seeing the world in vibrant color is a gift many of us take for granted,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker . “The EnChroma viewfinders help us create a one-of-a-kind experience for our red-green colorblind visitors and allow them to better enjoy the breathtaking beauty of our state parks.”

On July 26, six colorblind people, including a carpenter, policy analyst, medical dispatcher, personal trainer, permit specialist, and college student tested the EnChroma viewfinder at the Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield.

(Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Virginia Department of Conservation)

According to the DCR, one in 12 men (8%) and one in 200 women (0.5%) are colorblind. In the U.S. alone, 13 million people are colorblind, and 350 million worldwide. With over 8 million people visiting Virginia State Parks annually, approximately 341,000 are colorblind

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