In developing countries there are few astronomical educational resources for people with visual problems. Often, teachers with students who have some type of disability do not have materials specifically adapted to their needs. In this kit we have put together a few materials that make it easier for educators and teachers to introduce basic astronomical concepts to their blind students.
The project, led by the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Valencia, is designed primarily for students, but can be used with the general public (such as the planetarium show, for example). The materials included in the kit are about basic astronomy, suitable as educational material in primary and secondary school.
Although the kit has been developed especially for the visually impaired, people with complete vision can also benefit, since they add the sense of touch to that of sight. It has been shown that, in the learning process, results improve when several different senses are involved.
Funding and Collaborating Institutions
Currently, the project is financed by the European Union with NextGenerationEU Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan through an R&D&i Project «Proof of Concept 2022» (PDC2022-133930-I00).
Other institutions that have financed and/or supported the project since 2008 are:
