App guides blind and visually impaired people through Natural Bridge State Park

ROCKBRIDGE, Va. (WDBJ) – Many of us can take Virginia’s natural beauty for granted, but for people who are blind, those sights aren’t as easy to enjoy.

Now, Natural Bridge State Park is giving them the chance to explore in a new way and it’s the first in the nation to do it.

Lou Smith has been blind since birth.

“I wake up the same way that you do. My phone is my alarm clock. It’s my weather forecaster,” said Smith.

But exploring places like Natural Bridge State Park can be challenging without help.

While many parks do have braille signage and guided ropes, the “Right Hear” app gives people like Smith some extra flexibility. It’s accessible on Android and Apple devices, with 26 languages.

The app’s creator, Idan Meir, says “Right Hear” gives people with disabilities more independence.

“Wow, I can do it by myself. I don’t need anyone with me.” “That’s the sense of freedom that we’re hearing from many of our users,” said Meir.

“If I want to stop and meditate on something, I can. “I don’t have to worry about whether someone’s sighted, be it my wife, a friend, what have you,” Smith explained.

“Something like this that offers an opportunity to a group of people that don’t always get the attention that they deserve. It was an easy decision,” said Jim Jones, Park Manager at Natural Bridge State Park.