Science and Math Programs for Blind Youth
For too long blind youth have been denied full participation in
public school science classrooms. Are dissections too dangerous?
Should blind youth sit on the sidelines rather than participate and make their
own observations? Is it too difficult to understand the stars if you cannot
visually observe them in the sky? The answer to these questions is most
certainly "no," but all too often parents, teachers, and blind
students are simply not aware of how a blind person might actively participate
in these activities. Insufficient hands-on materials, few teachers who
understand tactile learning, and lack of access to blind adult role models and
resources have placed artificial barriers on blind youth in the sciences. The
NFB Jernigan Institute recognizes the urgent need to address these artificial
barriers and equip regular education teachers, parents, and blind youth
themselves with the tools and knowledge to provide greater opportunities in
science to blind youth across the nation.
In
order to dramatically change the opportunities and resources available to blind
youth in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects and
careers, the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute has initiated
a bold national vision for the next generation of blind explorers—the National
Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS).
Blind
Youth of Washington have participated in programs of the NCBYS. If you want to know more or have students in
mind that may benefit these programs go to www.blindscience.org/ncbys/.