ASTRONOMY WITHOUT BORDERS: PLANETARIO ACCESIBLE

Abstract

The Buenos Aires Planetarium is a benchmark in the dissemination of astronomy and science. For the Planetarium, the axis passes through the visitors, the most important heritage. Thinking about the different audiences helps to understand the different needs of each one of them and their particularities. We always work in outreach with diversity in mind. In recent years, we have incorporated inclusion as a transversal axis of all our activities. This forces us to be flexible as an institution, with the capacity for permanent changes and adjustments. We are aware that accessibility does not only go through the adaptations that are made in the spaces, so that all people can make use of them with the guarantee of their free mobility, but also through the actions that accompany and promote insertion in the field of astronomy. The Accessible Planetarium grew notably, as we permanently added new programs. In addition to the traditional activities such as the Planetarium for blind and low vision people, the Planetarium for deaf and hard of hearing people, we incorporate Easy Reading, tactile sensory material, haptic plans, accessibility elements in social networks and the web. What gives us great satisfaction is the relaxed function, a novel and unprecedented program in planetariums for people with Autism Spectrum Condition (CEA). For children, we especially offer the Blue Planetarium: One of Pirates, a show adapted as a relaxed function. All this work would not be possible without the advice of the different organizations with experience in the different disabilities. But it also requires the commitment of all Planetarium personnel, and that is why we permanently train ourselves to fulfill a better role in society. From our Planetarium we encourage full participation and promote an Astronomy without borders.