Autumn is here, and many forests in the Northern United States are exhibiting a fantastic display of warm colours, ranging from deep reds to dazzling yellows. Virginia is particularly famous for its foliage season. But how can colourblind people experience this spectacle?
Red-green Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD) is very common, affecting over 300 million people worldwide, including 13 million Americans. Those with CVD see fewer hues and shades and have difficulty distinguishing between red and green. The colours of autumn forests can appear to them dull and indistinguishable.
Because of this, Virginia State Parks have installed viewfinders with special lenses designed to allow those with CVD to experience an expanded range of colours.
“Seeing the world in vibrant colour is a gift many of us take for granted,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. The new viewfinders, she adds, will help colourblind visitors “to better enjoy the breathtaking beauty of our state parks.”
The viewfinders were bought with money raised through a programme that allows visitors to donate to Virginia State Parks when they make a purchase online or in a park.
1) What do you enjoy most about Autumn? Describe.
2) Reflect on the things you take for granted. Pick one, describe why it’s important, and imagine how your life would be without it.
(Carlo Dellonte)
(Image: sborisov, 123rf)
