The Touching Space project was awarded funding by the OAD, with the aim of bringing astronomy to both children and adults with visual impairments and other forms of disability. Through the use of sensory activities designed to provide a different approach to learning that does not rely on the traditional visual side of astronomy, the Touching Space project introduced those who previously would not have been able to interact with such a science and brought it to life.
Touching Space was proposed and run by undergraduate students from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) who worked with local charities Galloway’s Society for the blind and Action for Blind People (which is now merged with the RNIB). The project ran with guidance and support from external organisations such as the UCLan Physics Society, Aerolite Europe and The Space Collective.
Over the course of the project, Touching Space collaborated with Galloway’s and Action for Blind People to bring activities to those who these charities support, in the most accessible way possible. A key part of our proposal to the OAD was providing the experience to multiple age groups, and this was achieved by our work with these charities.
Read the activities implemented in the project report (PDF)