IN‑SIGHT was proud to sponsor a special outdoor outing in partnership with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island to celebrate the Second Annual Blind Bird Ability Bird‑A‑Thon, a nationwide event that highlights accessibility, inclusion, and the joy of birding without barriers.
Held in a welcoming natural setting, the outing introduced people who are blind or visually impaired to the world of birding through sound, touch, conversation, and technology. For many participants, this was their first experience birding—and it quickly became clear that birds don’t need to be seen to be appreciated.
Audubon educators, along with Dave Campbell from the Ocean State Bird Club, guided the group through listening exercises, helping participants tune into differences in bird calls, songs, and rhythms. Attendees learned how habitat, time of day, and behavior all influence what we hear outdoors. The group paused often—not to look, but to listen—creating moments of shared discovery as birds announced their presence from nearby trees and wetlands.
A highlight of the outing was learning how to use accessible technology, especially the Merlin Bird ID app. With built‑in sound identification and strong screen reader support, Merlin empowered participants to independently identify birds in real time simply by holding up their phones and listening. For many, this was a powerful example of how technology can open doors to nature and support greater independence.
The event embodied the spirit of the Blind Bird Ability Bird‑A‑Thon: proving that birding is for everyone and that inclusive design benefits all. Participants left with new skills, new confidence, and a deeper connection to the natural world—along with a renewed appreciation for how partnerships like the one between IN‑SIGHT and Audubon of Rhode Island can create meaningful, accessible experiences.
IN‑SIGHT is grateful to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island for their leadership, expertise, and commitment to inclusion, and to all who participated in making the day such a success. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue supporting programs that expand access to outdoor recreation and lifelong learning for people with visual impairments.
