Pittsfield non-profit to help visually impaired "Listen to the Eclipse"
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) — UCP of Western Massachusetts is hosting a "Listen to the Eclipse" event to help the blind and low-vision community experience the moment with assistive technology.
“We have a wonderful piece of technology called the LightSound. This was developed by Harvard University," said Iris Long, Director of the Assistive Technology Regional Center at UCP. "They have done workshops and other things to make sure this can be outsourced to everyone in the United States. So, they sent out over 250 devices, and we were lucky enough to have one.”
The Light Sound device uses sonification, which converts data into sound. During the eclipse, light will be transformed into varying sounds depending on intensity.
"As it gets dimmer, as the moon starts to eclipse the sun, it will change to a clarinet tone," Long said. "And once we reach full totality, it will start clicking. And then the audio will stop, simulating that eeriness of the complete totality of the eclipse."
On April 8th, the non-profit will hold the “Listen to the Eclipse” event at 3 p.m. at
75 S. Church Street in Pittsfield, everyone is welcome. UCP of Western Massachusetts provides programming for people of all ages and disabilities and aims to spread inclusivity in the region.
“One in four households in Berkshire County and Pioneer Valley have somebody with a disability, and so that level of awareness needs to be exemplified," Randy Kinnas, CEO, said.
It may seem like a small sound from the device, but Kinnas said prioritizing inclusion for community events can make a big difference.