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Creating opportunities in astronomy: Communication for people who are blind or visually impaired
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Grice, Noreen A. |
| Copyright Year | 2008 |
| Abstract | Astronomy is such a visually rich field that you may wonder if access is possible for a person who is blind or visually impaired. The good news is that with creative strategies and available resources , students who are blind need not be excluded. Braille text, tactile illustrations, handson models, and descriptive narration can remove many barriers. Introduction According to the American Foundation for the Blind2 and the National Federation of the Blind3, there are approximately 10 million blind or visually impaired people in the United States. Unfortunately, only 45% of students in the US with severe visual impairment or blindness complete high school studies, compared with the 80% success rate of their sighted peers. And only about 32% of legally blind working-age Americans are employed. It is critical that educators devise new ways to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics topics accessible to students with visual impairments. The following strategies will benefit all students by presenting information for a variety of learning styles. 1) Listening: In addition to students listening to the instructor, it is important that the instructor pays close attention to the needs of students. If a student cannot comprehend a topic, consider alternative, non-visual, approaches. 2) Seeing: To “see” does not always mean to see only with your eyes. A person can see with their “mind’s eye” by touching an object or listening to a very descriptive explanation. 3) Doing: Many visually impaired students are not given equal opportunities to participate in laboratory experiences because the subject is deemed too visual or assumed to be inaccessible. Almost anything can be made accessible through alternative approaches and/or assistive technology. Talking calculators, Braille rulers or software that can speak the words on the computer screen are but a few of the ways visually impaired students can fully participate. 1 www.youcandoastronomy.com 2 www.afb.org 3 www.nfb.org Creating opportunities in astronomy: Communication for people who are blind or visually impaired |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://communicatingastronomy.org/old/cap2007/proceedings/cap07060063.pdf |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
