What began as a local bird outing at The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB) quickly grew into a vibrant community-wide Birding Festival connected to a growing national movement making birding more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.

Organized by MSB’s own Jennifer Keenan, Assistive Technology Specialist and Naturalist, the event was part of the national Blind Birder Bird-a-thon — an inclusive birding initiative designed specifically for birders who are blind or have low vision. The event encourages participants to identify birds by sound or sight while celebrating accessibility, community, and connection to nature.

The national movement has rapidly expanded across the United States and internationally, with hundreds of participants joining events in dozens of states and countries. Organizers describe the Bird-a-thon as an effort to demonstrate that birding is not solely a visual activity — it is equally rooted in listening, observation, and experiencing the outdoors through multiple senses.

At MSB, the event far exceeded expectations.

More than 100 participants attended hands-on activities in the AT Aviary, while approximately 40 guests joined each guided trail tour throughout the day. Local media outlets also visited campus to learn more about the school’s innovative approach to accessible outdoor education.

“This ended up being more of a Birding Festival rather than just a bird outing,” Jennifer shared after the event. “We made so many connections in the area of conservation and accessibility.”

Accessible Birding in Action

The Blind Birder Bird-a-thon movement has gained national attention for redefining what birding can look like. In 2025, the inaugural nationwide event included more than 200 blind participants across 34 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Venezuela. Participants identified birds primarily by sound, often using adaptive technology and apps such as Merlin Bird ID to independently recognize bird calls and songs.

At MSB, accessible birding tools played a central role in the experience.

Boy Scouts volunteering at the festival earned both their Birding and Accessibility badges while supporting participants throughout the event. Jennifer noted that many of the scouts were neurodiverse and demonstrated exceptional empathy and engagement while assisting visitors at activity stations.

The event also strengthened collaboration among MSB staff members.

Science teacher Hannah Knight, a former educator at the Baltimore Zoo, partnered with Jennifer to lead community science activities using adaptive birding tools purchased for the program. Students then tested the tools outdoors and provided valuable feedback about accessibility and usability.

Reading Specialist Kate Power has already begun integrating adapted birding materials into literacy instruction and is developing a future poetry unit centered on birds and nature.

Kathleen Johnston is also expanding opportunities for students in evening programming by introducing accessible birding experiences on Wednesday afternoons.

Expanding Access Beyond the Event

One of the festival’s lasting outcomes is the creation of an Accessible Birding Lending Library housed in MSB’s ElevATe Studio. Teachers and staff have already begun checking out adaptive birding tools for use in classrooms and outdoor learning experiences.

The adaptive equipment — made possible through donor-supported funding — continues to broaden opportunities for students who are blind or have low vision to engage with nature, environmental science, and community-based learning.

The success of the festival reflects a broader national shift toward making outdoor recreation and conservation more inclusive. Organizations such as Birdability, Audubon groups, and accessible birding advocates across the country continue working to ensure that birding and nature experiences are welcoming for everyone.

For MSB, the event was more than a single day of programming. It became a catalyst for new partnerships, innovative teaching opportunities, and ongoing accessible outdoor experiences for students and families alike.