Throughout April, 2011
Among the new features of GAM 2011 will be special programs designed especially for individuals with visual and other sensory impairments. Motivated by the example of such outstanding blind astronomers as Kent Cullers of the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program, Astronomers Without Borders has organized the People with Disabilities Working Group to develop special programs for visually impaired and hearing impaired people. These programs are designed to help these individuals reach out and explore the universe in ways unlimited by the senses.
Programs
Astronomy without Barriers: Activities during Saturn Watch (April 2-3), the Global Star Party (April 9) and Lunar Week (April 10-16):
- Digital tactile imaging of the Moon and planets.
- In Brazil, a special planetarium session for the visually impaired will use sound (a description of a sky voyage) as well as models of planets, stars, constellations, and our Moon.
- In these activities, the book "Touch the Stars" by Noreen Grice will be a primary reference.
- On April 15, to celebrate the birth date of the phenomenally productive blind mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), a special radio-astronomy activity for the visually impaired -"E.T. Sounds" - will be organized.
- Radio astronomy groups will share, via the Internet, signals sent by stars (including our Sun and pulsars) and planets (mainly Jupiter).
- "Talking about Stars", an audio conference for the participation of the visually impaired during Lunar Week.
Contact: Marcelo Souza
