ProjectAugust 6, 2020
Atlantic Center for the Arts launches Young Sound Seekers program for visually impaired students
Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA), a non-‐profit multidisciplinary artist residency facility located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States of America, recently announced the launch on August 22, 2020 of its Young Sound Seekers program. This five-‐year initiative supported by a grant award from the National Park Service Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, encourages the appreciation of natural sounds and will help overcome barriers to access by creating a safe, undistracted outdoor space for blind and low-sighted students ages 13-22. ACA has partnered with the Florida Department of Education Blind Services, the Center for the Visually Impaired and Stetson University to develop curriculum that helps youth learn environmental conservation and contribute to the community in new ways.
Ronee David, CEO of the Center for Visually Impaired says, “The need to maximize the other senses for blind students is critical. The collaboration with the Young Sound Seekers program is truly a blessing for our population in order to learn listening skills.” Stetson University professor, Dr. Nathan Wolek notes, “Canaveral National Seashore has a diverse soundscape. You have the wind and waves, wildlife both above the water and below, and a much lower density of people than a typical Florida beach. I am very excited to help introduce these students to that soundscape through Young Sound Seekers. Hopefully, they learn to appreciate what a valuable resource this National Park is for the local community, and I’m sure we will also learn from their unique perspective on the park experience.” Laura Henning, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Canaveral National Seashore says, "Canaveral National Seashore is excited to be a part of this new and creative program. This program will provide access to an audience that may not have had the opportunity to connect with our resources and we welcome them."
The Young Sound Seekers program will host students from the Center for Visually Impaired in Daytona Beach, Florida with monthly visits to Canaveral National Seashore, the local national park. Stetson University professors and students will lead a series of listening and field recording activities that teach the value of conserving the natural soundscape―for human wellness, as well as for wildlife communication. Before each visit, the participants will learn about the biodiverse habitat of marine and terrestrial animal species, the history of the Indian River Lagoon and soundscape ecology. They will learn ways to share this knowledge with the community through broadcast media and public presentations. “The goal of this program is to inspire youth to use creativity to engage with nature, and welcome them to enjoy and protect our beautiful national parks,” says Eve Payor, ACA Director of Community Programs.
For more information visit: https://atlanticcenterforthearts.org/
Ronee David, CEO of the Center for Visually Impaired says, “The need to maximize the other senses for blind students is critical. The collaboration with the Young Sound Seekers program is truly a blessing for our population in order to learn listening skills.” Stetson University professor, Dr. Nathan Wolek notes, “Canaveral National Seashore has a diverse soundscape. You have the wind and waves, wildlife both above the water and below, and a much lower density of people than a typical Florida beach. I am very excited to help introduce these students to that soundscape through Young Sound Seekers. Hopefully, they learn to appreciate what a valuable resource this National Park is for the local community, and I’m sure we will also learn from their unique perspective on the park experience.” Laura Henning, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Canaveral National Seashore says, "Canaveral National Seashore is excited to be a part of this new and creative program. This program will provide access to an audience that may not have had the opportunity to connect with our resources and we welcome them."
The Young Sound Seekers program will host students from the Center for Visually Impaired in Daytona Beach, Florida with monthly visits to Canaveral National Seashore, the local national park. Stetson University professors and students will lead a series of listening and field recording activities that teach the value of conserving the natural soundscape―for human wellness, as well as for wildlife communication. Before each visit, the participants will learn about the biodiverse habitat of marine and terrestrial animal species, the history of the Indian River Lagoon and soundscape ecology. They will learn ways to share this knowledge with the community through broadcast media and public presentations. “The goal of this program is to inspire youth to use creativity to engage with nature, and welcome them to enjoy and protect our beautiful national parks,” says Eve Payor, ACA Director of Community Programs.
For more information visit: https://atlanticcenterforthearts.org/
