OUR VISION & MISSION
Vision:
Our vision is one where everyone — regardless of sight — can explore, understand, and be inspired by our universe. We believe astronomy is a key part of the STEM curriculum and therefore, should be a shared experience open to all learners.
Mission:
Our mission is to bridge science and accessibility by developing interactive, bilingual learning kits that use 3D tactile models, Braille materials, and audio narration to teach the beauty and structure of the universe. Through hands-on discovery, Touch the Cosmos empowers blind and visually impaired students in Asia to experience and understand the cosmos in a way that truly belongs to them.
OUR INSPIRATION
Problem Statement
Astronomy is one of the most visual sciences with students often encouraged to 'look' and explore the unvierse around us. Therefore, such lessons are often inaccessible to the 1.5 million blind children in the world: innovation, understand and most importantly, curiousity is hindered by the lost of astronomy to them. For me, astronomy is a passion that I do not want people to miss out on.
Our Messages
Astronomy not only stimulates critical thinking, curiousity and fills knowledge gaps, it can connects everyone and the world by understanding the nature around us. It shows everyone's similarities in their differences and ensures no one is left out.
OUR SOLUTIONS
3D Printed Tactile Plates
To achieve our mission, 3D printed tactile plates were designed and manufactured to ensure a smooth, distinct feel for our universe.
Braille Book
Bilingual braille books containing scripts of lessons were manufactured so that each teaching was fully accessible, whenever and wherever.
Audio Recordings
Touch isn't our only sensory feature in use; sound is one too. Here, bilingual (Thai and English) audio clips of each lesson were recorded to further aid the student's understanding.
"Personally, I have never seen my students more engaged with a task; all the intense discussion and questions and even laughter. They are very grateful for this. Thank you."