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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 14, 2024
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Natural Bridge State Park becomes the first state park in the US to install RightHear, creating a fully accessible location for people who are blind or have low vision

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Cutting the ribbon to celebrate the installation of the RightHear Accessibility system at Natural Bridge State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Using the RightHear app to navigate Natural Bridge State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Park Manager Jim Jones and RightHear CEO & Co-Founder Idan Meir)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Using the RightHear app to navigate Natural Bridge State Park)

ROCKBRIDGE, Va. – Natural Bridge State Park, home to the iconic 200-foot-tall Natural Bridge, has become the first state park in the U.S. to install the RightHear Accessibility system, taking a pioneering step toward inclusivity.

Virginia’s 37th state park is now fully accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired. With the implementation of the RightHear system, Natural Bridge reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, always striving to ensure that all visitors can have the most independent and equitable experience possible.

"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. “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. 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 along the trail, like the Natural Bridge. 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:

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 effortlessly 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 RightHear system aligns with our ongoing dedication to social responsibility and community engagement. As a beacon of inclusivity in the heart of Rockbridge County, we continue to set an example for businesses across the state and beyond."

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.”

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, please contact Darren Gladstone, US operations director, RightHear, darren@right-hear.com, 240-789-9008. For more information about Natural Bridge, please contact the park at 540-291-1326.

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About Virginia State Parks: Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

About RightHear: RightHear is a leading provider of indoor orientation and audio format signage systems that empower people with visual impairments to acquire better orientation in public and private spaces independently. The RightHear system combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly mobile apps to help businesses and organizations to achieve greater ADA Compliance and to ultimately create more inclusive environments for all.

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