Visually impaired
"When we look at the stars, we need to use our eyes. But what if we close our eyes, how can we see the stars then?
This is an imaginative journey into astronomy through a special learning medium. It involves a camp that promotes opportunities for learning astronomy for visually impaired students from schools for the blind in Northern Thailand, under the Patronage of HM the Queen, Chiang Mai province.
NARIT (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand) sees the importance of expanding opportunities for special learning in astronomy to individuals with specific learning needs, ensuring equal access to astronomy for everyone, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that set the motto "Leave no one behind." It is a direction for each country to work together within the framework of international cooperation for sustainable development in social, economic, and environmental aspects, leaving no one behind. Thus, this activity was organized to disseminate opportunities for learning astronomy to people with disabilities, health conditions, or individuals in need of special assistance.
On July 20, 2023, NARIT had the opportunity to welcome more than 100 students from schools for the blind, Chiang Mai province, and their teachers to participate in the astronomy learning camp at Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai. It was a whole day filled with overwhelming joy, and the participants experienced the happiness of connecting with astronomy with their hearts.
The astronomy learning activities designed for this occasion were tailored especially for individuals with visual impairments. It started with the basics of learning about day and night, followed by exploring the astronomical world, learning about the solar system, simulating celestial objects' size and distance, and, most importantly, the "Starry Sky in My Hands" activity, where they learned the basics of stargazing, familiarizing themselves with various constellations using tactile equipment shaped like celestial bodies. NARIT's astronomy information officers were present, along with the teachers, to take care of and provide close guidance to the students.
NARIT hopes that this activity will inspire the students and encourage them to imagine and learn about astronomy, fostering scientific thinking through real experiences. In the future, NARIT plans to develop and produce educational media for learning astronomy tailored for visually impaired individuals and other groups needing special assistance. This initiative aims to promote, support, and stimulate imaginative learning and equal access to astronomy for everyone."
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