Astronomy for students with disabilities: Making the Universe Accessible

Accessible Universe Program Logo [NASA]

NASA has put together an interdisciplinary team of elementary educators, special educators including those with expertise in assistive technology, and a research scientist with a goal of making Astronomy accessible to all in the classroom.

The goal of the Accessible Universe project is to enhance the teaching of astronomy, beginning in the upper elementary grades by:

Enhancing existing curricula, rather than replacing them.

Encouraging inquiry-based learning of astronomy, by making use of existing resources, including those which provide access to real data.

Matching the resources to the developmental level of the students

Providing a suite of simple, easy to implement activity modifications which can enable a wider community of learners to benefit from the space science and astronomy curriculum.

Integrating the use of technology into the curriculum, including assistive technology.

Accessible Universe provides teachers with a variety of resources:

Accessible Universe Project

About the Accessible Universe Project

Class activities to accommodate a wide range of learners

Internet Resources for Elementary Astronomy

Teacher's Guide to Internet Resources

Webcams Explore Time and the Shape of the Earth

Rotating, Revolving, Seasons, and Solar System

Universe In Motion

Accessible Universe Resource Guide