UniDescription: Accessible Audio Descriptions for National Park Service Sites
UniDescription is a free iPhone app developed by Joe Oppegaard that aims to provide audio descriptions for National Park Service sites across the United States. Designed for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, print dyslexic, or prefer learning through sound, this app offers a unique way to experience the beauty and history of these public resources.
The app is part of a research project by the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH) and is guided by the principles of Universal Design. It seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to public discourse about these national treasures. UniDescription has received support from various organizations including the University of Hawaii, the National Park Service, Google, the American Council of the Blind, and the Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
UniDescription features prototype audio descriptions that have been translated from paper brochures into acoustic media. It allows users to explore the national parks through sound, providing a rich and immersive experience. Whether you're planning a visit or simply want to learn more about these sites, UniDescription offers a valuable resource for individuals with visual or print disabilities.
