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Blind astronomer inspires learners to reach for the stars
For many, star gazing and astronomy are activities to be enjoyed primarily by sighted people. Not so, believes Dr Wanda Diaz-Merced, an astronomer from Puerto Rico who is on a mission to open the fascinating world of space science to the blind. She was accompanied by the former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Michael Masutha. Levelling the playing field Dr Diaz-Merced lost her sight while studying physical science at university. The astronomer, who was hosted by the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)¹ in Cape Town, visited South Africa to work with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development. She assisted the IAU to develop tools and techniques that would help level the playing field for people of different abilities when it comes to science. Dr Diaz-Merced is involved in radio astronomy, using telescopes that convert radio waves into sound. Her previous work has shown that it is possible to detect information from audio signals that may be missed using only visual techniques. During her visit to Athlone School, she addressed the full assembly of learners (all with different kinds of challenges: visual impairment, hearing impairment and movement impairment). She told the learners that losing her sight was a major challenge. However, perseverance saw her obtaining her PhD. "I would like to see people with disabilities realise the power they have in their other senses, and this project does just that," she said. The learners had an opportunity to engage with scale models of the moon while Dr Diaz-Merced spoke to them about astronomy and the work she does. She encouraged the learners to rise above their challenges: "It was important for me to say to myself, 'Wanda, you can do it; if you don't, you will disappoint yourself.' I had to develop ways to complete my studies." Dr Diaz-Merced also addressed the school staff, cautioning them against being too cautious when dealing with learners with special needs as this could lead to an extra-protective attitude which may result in denial of opportunities for these learners. Overcoming barriers Former Deputy Minister Masutha, who is visually impaired himself, told the learners: "The visual sense is not the only sense you can use to become a scientist; the only thing that can limit your horizons is your imagination. People like Dr Diaz-Merced are needed to inspire learners. We are here to show you that no matter what barriers are placed before you, you can achieve your ambitions." Unlike Dr Diaz-Merced, who went blind as a young adult, Mr Masutha was born partially sighted - but he was determined to study and he obtained two law degrees. The Director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, Kevin Govender, also shared words of encouragement: "Society often fails to recognise the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Wanda has opened our eyes to many possibilities for involving all sectors of society in scientific study and research. We intend to support and develop her ideas so that they can spread throughout the world." Dr Diaz-Merced paid a second visit to the Athlone School as well as to the Pioneer School for the Blind in Worcester. Both these visits were geared towards learners with visual challenges and the learners engaged with different tactile models of the moon, galaxies and the earth. "Dr Diaz-Merced was very inspirational," said Sivuyile Manxoyi, Head of Education and Public Outreach at SAAO. "Inasmuch as Astronomy has a visual aspect, I learnt one powerful lesson from her - that astronomy is truly for all." ¹ SAAO runs an Astronomy for the Blind initiative led by Ms Buzani Khumalo. These outreach efforts were significantly strengthened by Dr Diaz-Merced’s visit. By Khanyisa Ngobeni |
