New Book Makes Astronomy Accessible to People with Disabilities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“When you’ve got all five senses and both your legs work, it’s easy to miss how often society neglects those for whom this isn’t true. In Everyone’s Universe, Noreen Grice, a uniquely inspired champion of astronomy education, has identified activities and places in America where, no matter your level of sensory or physical limitation, the universe is accessible to all. As it should be.” — Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist and Director, Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History
New Book Makes Astronomy Accessible to People with Disabilities
According to the U.S. Census, one out of every five Americans has a disability. People with disabilities want to enjoy the same opportunities as others including access to viewing the night sky.
Noreen A. Grice, astronomy educator and accessibility specialist, has released her sixth book, Everyone’s Universe: A Guide to Accessible Astronomy Places. With a publishing date of June 1, 2011 and available through Amazon.com, this innovative book provides practical solutions for making astronomy programs more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. The book also features a national directory of already-accessible observatories, planetariums and star parties.
In Everyone’s Universe: A Guide to Accessible Astronomy Places, Grice identifies specific needs such as mobility, non-visual or communication access, and provides detailed examples of how visitors with disabilities can participate.
“I wanted to reach out to other astronomy educators and astronomy enthusiasts and show them how easy it is to make the universe more accessible,” she said. “After all, it’s everyone’s universe to share and enjoy!”
About the author:
Noreen Grice is author of five previously published accessible astronomy books, all with text in print and Braille and images that are touchable. Her mission is to make astronomy and space science accessible to everyone regardless of (dis) ability. She is a pioneer in accessible astronomy methods and is recipient of several awards including the 2007 Klumpke-Roberts Award (Astronomical Society of the Pacific), the 2008 Jacob Bolotin Award (National Federation of the Blind), the 2009 YWCA Tribute to Women Award, and the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from Boston University. You can read more about her work at www.youcandoastronomy.com.
Everyone’s Universe: A Guide to Accessible Astronomy Places by Noreen Grice. Original edition. 6 x 9, 176 pages. ISBN 978-0-9833367-0-7. $19.95. See Everyone’s Universe book page on www.youcandoastronomy.com for 300 dpi JPG of the book cover.
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