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Foliage Viewing Technology

ONE OF THE MAJOR PERKS OF LIVING IN A STATE WHERE THERE ARE FOUR SEASONS IS GETTING TO SEE THOSE RED AND GOLD LEAVES. BUT FOR FOLKS WHO ARE COLORBLIND, EVERYTHING ISN’T AS BRIGHT – TO SOME THE TREES REMAIN SHADES OF GRAY.

BUT ONE PARK IS WORKING TO CHANGE THAT. THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM LAUNCHED "COLORBLIND-LESS" VIEWFINDERS.

THE TECHNOLOGY WAS INSTALLED AT POPULAR OVERLOOKS IN THE STATE.

THEY OFFER A GLIMPSE OF THE FULL SPECTRUM OF FALL LEAVES TO PEOPLE WITH RED-GREEN COLOR DEFICIENCIES.

THE LAUNCH BROUGHT ON EMOTIONAL REACTIONS FROM VISITORS SEEING THE COLORFUL FOLIAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

[SOT]

STEVEN BREWER/SEEING COLOR FOR THE FIRST TIME: "THIS IS AWESOME. IS THIS WHAT YOU SEE? DO YOU SEE THE RED? IT'S AMAZING. I CAN SEE WHY PEOPLE COME UP HERE."

JAMES NICHOL/SEEING COLOR FOR THE FIRST TIME: "IT'S NOT FAIR..."

QUESTION: "CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU'RE FEELING?"

JAMES NICHOL/SEEING COLOR FOR THE FIRST TIME: "I'M GLAD TO HAVE SEEN IT. I JUST WISH I'D SEEN THIS ALL MY LIFE."

Find Out More

Website Article: Smithsonian Tween Tribune, Viewfinders Unveil Fall Colors for the Colorblind

Video: PBS LearningMedia, Ask a Scientist, What Is Color Blindness?

Website Article & Video: KidsHealth, What It’s Like to Be Color Blind