The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is stepping up its game in the world of accessible travel, converting standard alt-text into song lyrics to provide visually impaired travelers an enhanced auditory experience of the state's attractions. This innovative program, Sound Sites, is a first in the industry, designed to give those using screen readers a more immersive storytelling experience when browsing TNVacation.com, as revealed in a recent announcement by the department.
Shifting away from mundane descriptions like "image of a mountain" or "street at night," the initiative ropes in the talent of Tennessee's iconic songwriters to depict the region's landscapes and culture with a musical twist, and according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, visually impaired visitors can connect to Tennessee's spirit in a way that was not possible before, because music has the power to bridge gaps and connect us, this according to Billy Montana, a celebrated songwriter involved with the project, pushing the boundaries of how the blind and visually impaired can experience travel online.
The push for more engaging online experiences stems from the statistics by the National Federation of the Blind, noting that over seven million Americans have non-corrective visual impairments – a number poised to double by 2050. Tennessee's effort aims to go beyond the typical accessibility requirements, which tend to focus merely on functionality and not engagement, aiming to make sure that anyone, regardless of their visual capabilities, can experience the wonder and excitement of travel in Tennessee.
Dolly Parton, Kix Brooks, and other luminaries in the music industry are among the talents crafting these lyrical alt-texts, joined by a diverse range of artists, including the blind singer-songwriter JP Williams, whose unique perspective adds depth to the project; the goal is to not just describe but to make Tennessee's charm and beauty felt, improving the way visually impaired individuals interact with the digital representations of destinations, accommodations, and attractions across the state, working alongside other songwriters and members of the visually impaired community to continue enhancing these descriptive experiences on the TDTD's digital platforms, including hundreds of images featured on TNVacation.com/for-all, where users can already explore Sound Sites.
Reflecting on the success of prior initiatives, such as the Colorblind Viewfinder, which allowed colorblind visitors to see fall foliage in all its glory, TDTD Commissioner Mark Ezell emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in travel, stating, "We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience Tennessee's unmatched beauty." Tennessee's musical roots are seen as an ideal match for this campaign, with the state's efforts paving the way for more integrated and accessible travel amenities that cater to a broader audience – a mission that has just begun, as per TDTD.
