Bob, a pika in an astronaut suit, was developed as the mascot for Descriptathon 11, part of the UniDescription Project. This university-based research initiative focuses on improving audio description processes and products to enhance media accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision. Through this project, a team of 10, including National Park Service employees and volunteers worked to fully audio describe the Craters of the Moon brochure.
Bob now has a new mission: to make Craters of the Moon more accessible. Currently Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve has two waysides on the Devils Orchard Trail with tactiles for those visually impaired, with Bob’s help we hope to increase that number and begin new projects with accessibility in mind.
Every purchase made in the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association Bookstore that features “Bob” goes towards accessibility projects throughout the Monument. Accessibility is about finding ways to ensure every visitor who comes to the Monument can experience it and enjoy it; with Bob’s help we can make that a reality.