A Multi-Sensory Tour of the Universe

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This project is to inspire visually impaired children, and children from areas of high levels of deprivation, to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. We also aim to improve the confidence of teachers and science communicators to deliver astronomy activities that are accessible to the visually impaired. In broader terms we aim to raise awareness with the general public that STEM careers are a viable option for people with a visually impairment and of the benefits of non-visual communication methods (i.e., sound and tactile models). We will use a multi-faceted approach. For large significance we will work closely with small focus groups of specialist teachers, visually impaired children and other children from schools with highly deprived catchment areas. With these groups we will develop new audio-visual resources that will become part of publicly available accessible educational workshops and a professionally produced planetarium show. For long-term legacy we will incorporate these new resources into school outreach programmes and provide bespoke training to the teachers and science communicators in the North East of England who will deliver these resources. For wide reach we will make the resources publicly available, at no cost, and aim to have the planetarium show presented in planetariums across the UK and beyond. Overall, we aim to improve social and educational inclusion of marginalised groups and work towards lowering the gap in employment between fully sighted and visually impaired people.