Invisible Green: let birdsong be for everyone! – Improving access to nature for the blind and partially sighted
Abstract
For blind and partially sighted individuals, experiencing nature is often difficult to access, even though it would be particularly important for their mental well-being. Our participatory research project Invisible Green aimed to explore how nature experiences can be made more accessible and meaningful for people living with vision loss. Through a collaborative design, the study employed qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and field trips. The results highlight that nature can be perceived through all our senses, and provides a deeply personal and rich experience. A safe and inclusive social environment, alongside the opportunity to experience autonomy, is crucial for the blind and partially sighted. Inclusivity and access are supported not only by physical and infocommunicational tools but also by removing „attitudinal barriers”: cultivating an empathetic, open mindset, encouraging mutual learning, and developing assistance protocols within the relevant institutions.
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